Cecil Staton

Staton served as professor at Brewton-Parker College in Mt. Vernon, Georgia from 1989 through 1991. He served as a member of the Promotions and Tenure Committee and as an editor for the institutional self-study for renewal of accreditation (1990—1991). Staton taught New Testament, Old Testament, and Hebrew courses and was active in public relations for the college through service to area churches and speaking opportunities throughout the region.[11]

He worked for Mercer University for more than eleven years (1991–2003), as Associate Provost and Associate Professor.[4] Staton led Mercer's academic publishing efforts through Mercer University Press, with responsibility for encouraging and assisting faculty in their research and publishing endeavors. He taught courses for the Roberts Department of Religion in the College of Liberal Arts and undertook special administrative assignments as directed by the President or Provost of the University. He served on the study committee that led to the establishment of the McAfee School of Theology and as a presidential fellow in 2002, traveling to 15 comprehensive universities around the country leading to the publication of A Sturdy American Hybrid (Mercer University Press, 2003). Staton led University Advancement activities that secured more than $4,500,000 in endowment for the Mercer University Press.[12]

Following his business career and decade as a Georgia politician, in June 2015, University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby announced the appointment of Staton as Vice-Chancellor for Extended Education for the University System of Georgia (USG). Staton was responsible for International Education, Professional and Continuing Education, Entrepreneurship Education, and Military Affairs for the University System of Georgia, comprising 28 colleges and universities including four R-1 institutions: University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and Augusta University. He served as the Chief International Officer for the USG. He worked with the Board of Regent's economic development office to identify expansion opportunities with the private sector, government, and USG supporters. Staton led efforts (2014–2015) to create the Georgia Film Academy, to support the workforce needs of Georgia's film and digital entertainment industry.[13]

In April 2014, University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby announced the appointment of Staton as interim President of Valdosta State University.[14] During the interim year, Staton led efforts to balance the 2016—2017 budget by reducing expenditures by $4.4 million. He developed a $2 million marketing, branding, and imaging campaign aimed at increasing enrollment and established the VSU $1 Million Innovation Fund for proposals leading to an increase in enrollment, credit hour production, and improved graduation rates.[15]

On April 27, 2016, Staton was named Chancellor of East Carolina University, replacing outgoing chancellor Steve Ballard. Initiatives at ECU included: launching a new branding and marketing campaign increasing awareness of the institution nationally and internationally; launching initiatives to increasing research activity by 50% over five years; launching initiatives to increase internationalization including doubling the number of students participating in study abroad over five years; doubling the enrollment of the Honors College beginning fall 2017; launching initiative to increase enrollment at the Brody School of Medicine by 50% over the next five years; launching a new university enterprise partnering with SAS focusing upon rural prosperity concentrating on healthcare, education, and economic development disparities in rural North Carolina; leading ECU's Strategic Plan Extension for 2017—2022: Capture Your Horizon; launching a $500 million capital campaign, the largest in the institution's history; and leading preparations for creating ECU's 13th college, the College of Public Health, in 2021.[16]

As Chancellor, Staton oversaw numerous capital projects including $70 million in dormitory renovations, a $60 million southside stadium renovation, opening a new $37 million student center on the health sciences campus in 2017, opening a new $122 million student union on the main campus in January 2019, and preparing for the construction of a new $8 million innovation hub and collision space for the Miller School of Entrepreneurship and a $95 million life sciences building, due to be completed in 2021.[16] He led searches for Chief Communications Officer, Vice Chancellor of Business and Finance, Vice Chancellor of Research, Economic Development, and Engagement, and Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences and Dean of the Brody School of Medicine, as well as searches for a new Athletic Director, Head Men's Basketball Coach, and Head Football Coach.[17]

At ECU, Staton held the rank of Professor with Tenure in Philosophy and Religious Studies.[18]

On Monday, March 18, 2019, Staton announced that he would step down as chancellor of East Carolina University, at the conclusion of the academic year.[19] Staton's announcement followed the departures of System President Margaret Spellings and UNC Chapel Hill Chancellor Carol Folt several weeks earlier leading many in North Carolina to express concerns about the state of the UNC system and its Board of Governors.[20][21]

The ECU Board of Trustees elected Staton Chancellor Emeritus at their April 2019 meeting.[22]