Author: Darian Hale

ECU has among fewest international students in UNC System
by Darian Hale & Diego Lerma
(Office of International Enrollment and Engagement ‘Where have you come from? map. Photo by Darian Hale)
East Carolina University lags behind every state university in North Carolina in terms of International students. While universities across North Carolina welcome thousands of international students.ECU remains a quiet outpost for global learners.
Despite this, ECU’s international number of students is growing. During the last academic school year, ECU has had the largest number of international students since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In fall 2024, ECU had 243 international students and 240 this spring semester 2025. This number is almost 100 more than during fall 2020, when ECU had only 160 international students enrolled.
With only around 240 international students enrolled this spring, ECU’s international presence is noticeably small compared to state peers like Duke University and NC State, each of which hosts more than 4,000 students from abroad, according to a Duke international enrollment report.
The university with the largest number of international students in the state is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. According to the National Association for Foreign Student Affairs, during the 2022-2023 academic year UNC Chapel Hill had over 2,600 international students.
“If you look at UNC, Charlotte or NC State, the vast majority of their international students are graduate students,” said Kathy Knudson, director for International Enrollment and Engagement at ECU.
This is because other universities have a different funding model that provides more opportunities compared to ECU, explained Knudson.
Knudson added that the most popular countries for international students who come to ECU are Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Knudson said the Saudi students are often supported by government sponsorship and funneled into programs such as the School of Hospitality Leadership, while Nigerian students often find ECU through word of mouth.
“If we’ve noticed an uptick in applications from a specific country, then we’ll look more closely to see why,” said Knudson. Sometimes this can come from a tie to an ECU professor or other reasons.
Knudson said the population of Nigerian students has grown exponentially during the past five years. According to the ECU data, in the fall 2020, ECU had only two international Nigerian students compared to the 10 such students now at ECU.
The biggest hurdle for international students has to do with affordability.
“The biggest challenge in recruiting international students is the high cost and lack of scholarships, especially at the undergraduate level,” Knudson explained. “Graduate students have more funding options, including graduate assistantships and [paid] tuition. . . which are not available for undergraduates.”
While international student tuition and spending contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to North Carolina’s economy, Duke University accounts for $273.5, according to Duke University’s Global office.
ECU’s contribution is far smaller, reflecting its limited international footprint with fewer students.
But for students like Hasan Alghafli, a hospitality management major from Saudi Arabia, ECU’s small size and approachable campus were part of the appeal.
Hassan Alghafli outside the International House. Photo by Darian Hale
“I chose ECU because it had the program I was looking for, and it seemed like a welcoming and affordable place to study,” Algahfli explained. “It’s not a huge, overwhelming campus, it’s easier to adjust and focus on school.”
That sense of welcome, however, sometimes competes with feelings of isolation.
“I expected more [international students],” Alghafli noted. “You do see international students around, but it’s not as many as I thought for a university this size.”
That perception is backed by the numbers. According to College Factual, international students represent less than 1% of ECU’s total enrollment, compared to Duke’s 20% and NC State’s 12%.
Office of international enrollment and engagement. Photo by Darian Hale
Kehinde “Kenny” Olufowobi, a graduate student from Nigeria studying accounting and data science, found that the lack of an international student community has made his transition harder.
“It can be a bit isolating at times, especially when you’re trying to adjust and find your place in a new environment,” said Olufowobi.
Knudson noted that ECU is working to provide more tailored support through cultural programming and community-building events.
“We sponsor coffee hours every semester, open to both international and domestic students,” Kudson said. “We also organize cultural trips to places like Washington D.C., and the Outer Banks to give students meaningful experiences.”
Olufowobi acknowledged the existence of support structures like the Office of Global Affairs but said they are not always accessible or well-promoted.
“Finding cultural or community spaces that reflect my background can be a bit difficult. Unless you actively go looking or already know someone, it’s easy to feel disconnected,” said Olufowobi.
He noted that events like International Week and cultural fairs are valuable but often lack strong participation from the wider campus.
National flags hang over ECU’s Office of International Enrollment and Engagement. Photo by Darian Hale.
“It sometimes feels like these events are attended mostly by international students ourselves, rather than being a campus-wide celebration.”
Recent institutional changes may further challenge ECU’s international recruitment efforts, such as the upcoming closure of the University’s Language Academy, according to Hamid Alz, another hospitality major from Saudi Arabia.
“That shows there might not be much focus on bringing in more students from abroad,” he said. “And yes, there seem to be fewer international students here than I expected, especially when compared to other universities.”
Despite these challenges, Knudson emphasized that ECU has a strategic plan in place to do more.
“We operate on a three-year recruitment plan, targeting countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Colombia and Vietnam,” Knudson explained.“We base our approach on organic growth, faculty ties, and purchasing power in those regions.
Despite these challenges, ECU has earned national recognition for its global engagement efforts, including the 2023 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization. The university also reported a 24% increase in international enrollment for fall 2024.
Still, as universities across North Carolina compete to grow their global influence, students say ECU must do more than offer degrees and support services.
“It’s about building a community,” said Olufowobi, “and making international students feel seen beyond the classroom.”
April 24, 2025
Bishop Samuel Jones Mission Uplifts Many
(Bishop Samuel Jones Jr. standing near the purpose of God Annex outreach center in Washington, N.C. Photo taken by Darian Hale)
Darian Hale/ Unfurls/ 4/15/25
In the heart of Washington, North Carolina, Bishop Samuel Jones Jr. is more than a preacher; he is a leader and a provider, a mentor whose faith fuels his mission to uplift the community.
On most days, you can find him at the outreach center diving into his paperwork, speaking with those in need, and putting his service into action in his shops and programs.
Sundays, you can find him at the Purpose of God Church, where he speaks with passion in each sermon. Jones did not always have this life, though. Before he was a minister, before he created a community campaign to help youth, he was a man with a vision from God nearly 25 years ago.
“There was so much hardship I went through, and I thought to myself that if I was able to do something, I would do it, not for me alone but for others in the same position, and God was speaking to me that night, saying, ‘You have to do this,” said Jones.
And that he did. In April 1999, Jones, his wife Regina Jones, known as “Mother Jones,” for her leadership at the Purpose of God church, and co-founder Harold Gardner started their programs helping ex-offenders and the poor.
Aimed at serving youth ages 6 to 15, Jones’ program originally started to provide after-school activities. Later, Jones and others adopted and expanded more programs like Project New Hope, Refuge Intervention and Refuge Home.
Project New Hope helps ex-offenders from ages 16 to 55 to rehabilitate back into society by providing them with educational skills, job-search training and housing.
Jones has binders full of memories of the center, with pictures of smiling faces of all the dozens of those who benefited. The walls of the Annex outreach center are covered in newspaper clippings and stories from Jones’ work.
(Photos of graduates from Bishop Jones programs and newspaper clippings. Photo taken by Darian Hale)
“I saw young men going down a dark path, and this hit me hard,” Jones said. “I wanted to guide them. We do not have many resources in Beaufort, but I try to be one.” Jones explained that his goal was to help those in need, even those who did wrong, who deserved a second chance.
Judges at the county courthouse have often referred convicted felons to Jones’ program to guide them in the right direction after they have finished their jail sentences.
The programs are sometimes the only lifeline for people to rebuild themselves. Noting that he has seen all walks of life, Jones said that someone from the street could come in and find some help at any minute.
The Purpose of God Annex Outreach Center is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status. It is funded by the City of Washington, the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and the United Way.
Yet, Jones said that the money only goes so far. So, every year his center and church hold a fundraiser for the programs.
“I care a lot about these young men and women. And it heals my heart when I see them do good,” said Jones, wiping his glasses and holding back some emotions.
Jones also operates The Share Shop in Washington, which provides household furniture, items and clothes for free for anyone in need, as well as Miracle Meals, which sells affordable food and produce.
Both projects came from a need that Jones saw in the community. “I thought a Share Shop was a perfect solution and a win-win situation. People get furniture and we get whatever they want. It’s a process that helps everyone.”
Miracle Meals functions differently. A fee of $7 allows customers to purchase a wide range of items, from food to household items.
The program started as an idea from Jones and Mother Jones, who saw rising inflation as an obstacle to many families in Beaufort County.
“Prices were rising, and many families could not afford to keep up,” Jones explained. “We needed to do more than just offer programs like Share Shop or Annex; we wanted to feed people.”
Jones said he also wanted to create a bond with the community, especially during the 2020 George Floyd protest, when he noticed racial tensions rising.
(The Share Shop. Photo by Darian Hale)
But Jones is not the only one involved in these projects. He has another hand from Harold Gardner III, who was recently in the spring sunlight, lifting boxes of clothes. Gardner said that Jones’ vision was needed.
“I remember the day he told me about the idea for starting Annex. I heard he wanted to create a haven for the youth, and I was on board right then,” said Gardner.
When he is not at work, Gardner is helping the ministry, and when he isn’t helping the ministry, he is working with Jones and others on a number of Annex programs.
(Photo provided by Purpose of God Annex Center. Left, Harold Gardner III, and right, Bishop Samuel Jones. )
Gardner remembers the early years of the Annex when it was just he and Jones trying to map out a vision and activities for guiding the youth who attended after school.
He explained that Jones has been not only a bishop at the ministry but also a dear friend who guided him to follow in the footsteps of action.
 (Inside the Share Shop. Photo by Darian Hale)
Talessia Whitfield, a shop volunteer, said she is always amazed at the diversity at the Annex. “White, Black, Hispanic—we all are here trying to help or be helped. We see people from Pitt, Martin, Hyde and Bertie, all counties coming here.” Whitfield became a volunteer four years ago.
(Tres Pugh, outside the Share Shop. Photo Taken by Darian Hale)
Tres Pugh said he has been volunteering with Jones to turn his life around.
“Bishop Jones, he is helping me get back on my feet. I just got out of rehab, and I don’t have a job. Doing this volunteer work and learning from him is a step in the right direction.”
Pugh said that Jones’ program gave him something to do and is a gift for him and others who have had a bad time with the law. “I’m trying to put that past behind me, and Bishop is helping me find a job and help me regain myself.”
In the meantime, “It is better to be here than somewhere bedridden or causing trouble, and I’m blessed Bishop Jones is doing something to help people like me,” Pugh said.
April 15, 2025
Decreased Childcare Subsidies Strain Families in Pitt County
Pitt County Human Services Center. Photo by Darian Hale
Darian Hale/ 3/18/25 Unfurls
Many families in Pitt County face the harsh reality of not being able to obtain financial help with childcare. Pitt County offers an abundance of childcare centers but little help to afford them.
Families in need often turn to government childcare subsidies to be able to afford childcare and work, but many in Pitt County are not getting that assistance.
Subsidies are a lifeline for many parents, guaranteeing their kids’ well-being while they work or go to school.
Yet, many families in Pitt County are waiting to receive assistance, with some waiting as long as 18 months.
This jeopardizes parents’ need for employment, leaving homes with one parent depending on one sole income.
And the list is getting even larger for those who need subsidies. “Our waitlist is larger than ever and is increasing,” said Tawni Mosley, director of the Nancy W. Darden Child Development Center at East Carolina University.
The requirements for subsidies are also tough for parents who are already balancing work and other obligations.
One such parent is Daneshia Nichole, a mother of five in Pitt County, who said the requirements are difficult and the process is slow.
“Honestly, getting childcare subsidies is a hassle; so many requirements are needed,” Nichole explained. “And if you make a certain amount or miss one day, when you go (to) get in the program, well, they can end up throwing that possibility of subsidies out the window.”
For four years, the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education has documented a steady decline in low-income North Carolina families receiving childcare subsidies.
The number of Pitt County families being helped has also dropped.
In 2021-2022, 3,595 children in Pitt County were potentially eligible for subsidized childcare assistance, but only 1,590 children, or 44% of those eligible, received assistance, according to state data.
However, by 2022-2023, even fewer children were helped. Although the number of eligible children in Pitt County stayed the same at 3,595, only 1,498 children actually received childcare assistance, or only 41.67%.
The situation worsened in 2023-2024. The number of potentially eligible children in Pitt County jumped to 8,984, or more than double the number from the year before.
However, funding for the subsidies increased only slightly, from $12.3 million in 2022-2023 to $12.6 million in 2023-2024.
Parents in need noticed things getting worse.
“I find it strange that help in receiving childcare subsidies has gotten harder,” Nichole said. “I know something was going on in 2023; I feel it could be mismanagement or stricter requirements.” Nichole said she has received childcare subsidies in the past, but obtaining subsidies now has become more difficult.
During 2023-2024, only 1,813 Pitt County children received assistance, or just 20.18% of those who were eligible.
This is less than half of the share of eligible children who received help in 2021, showing a clear decline in access to subsidized childcare.
Despite more funding being available in 2023-2024 compared to previous years, fewer children are receiving the assistance they need.
And the gap between the number of children who need help and the number who get it is growing.
Statewide, the trend is similar. In 2023-2024, North Carolina had over 448,000 children eligible for subsidized childcare, but only 64,333 children, just 14%, were receiving assistance.
The sharp decline in the percentage of eligible children in Pitt County and across the state receiving childcare subsidies is a growing problem for low-income families, especially with the cost of childcare rising.
According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, the cost of childcare for just an infant and 4-year-old can be as much as $17,593 for one year.
The purpose of childcare subsidies is to help families deal with the growing expense of daycare. According to the North Carolina Market Rate Study, subsidies can vary from $500 to more than $1,000 per month, depending on the age of the child and the kind of care required.
According to a 2022 report for the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Childhood Education, the average cost of infant care in North Carolina was between $480 and $730 per month, and is higher today.
And if a family has more than one child needing care, the cost can skyrocket.
Subsidies vary by a family’s income and household size, with subsidies potentially helping families to pay for all or a portion of childcare expenses.
“If the federal government doesn’t have the funding, this reduces the number of children that can be served,” said Mary Perkins-Williams, a Pitt County commissioner and Department of Social Services board member.
Perkins-Williams added that recent job growth means more people going to work, and they need someone to look after their children – but only for a few years.
“Often it is only the children in age groups from infants to toddlers. By age 5 they are at public school, and the burden lessens on the parents,” said Williams.
Overall, the number of low-income families receiving help paying for childcare has dropped by half over a four-year period in North Carolina.
Some of this has to do with cuts in federal funding for childcare after 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, $1.3 billion in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act went to childcare subsidies.
These funds allowed North Carolina’s childcare infrastructure to continue running through the pandemic. Although these funds were set to sunset in 2023, they were extended until June 2024.
Now, however, federal funds for childcare in North Carolina have fallen to around $400 million, which is given to the state and then filtered through the 100 counties.
“As of August 2024, counties were advised to implement a waiting list for childcare. This is due to no longer receiving (American Rescue Plan) funds,” said Deidire Hill, the North Carolina program manager for childcare subsidy and employment services.
The federal funding is not just for parents in subsidy programs but also to help pay childcare workers.
This leaves childcare centers raising the cost of childcare even more and sometimes closing altogether.
Such closures burden low-income families, and when they look for help in paying for the increased cost, some counties have no help for them.
“At this time, the county does not have funding for childcare subsidies. This is not just in Pitt County; this is statewide,” Hill explained.
“Only a few counties currently have funding, so there is a waitlist for those that may be eligible.”
The option for parents is to sit and wait hopefully for the funds to be available, but many are worried.
“We need to get this fixed. I think we really need to have more evaluations of our applications when we apply. I fear the federal government, though, will ignore us struggling families,” said Nichole.
As of now Nichole is still on the waitlist along with the other families still hoping to get subsides.
Perkins-Williams added that she wishes Pitt County could do more, “but currently we can only evaluate cases for families and wait for these funds, especially at the local government level.”
March 18, 2025
Greenville residents protest ICE deportations
By: Darian Hale
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportations of undocumented immigrants has mobilized ECU political science major Jalind Lampa.
Lampa, who is of Cuban and Haitian origin, was one of several organizers of a Feb. 2 protest at the Greenville Town Common to oppose the deportation crackdown. Countless other protests have been held across the nation following ICE raids around the country.
The Greenville protest started with a march at the Town Common, leading through downtown and eventually on to ECU’s campus, then circled back around.Protestors voiced their concerns and waved flags from their respective countries of origin.
Lampa said he is fearful of the recent political rhetoric being said about immigrants and is concerned about the deportation policies the Trump administration has begun to enact.
“The rhetoric put out by Trump and his administration regarding immigrants is heinous, though unsurprising given his track record in politics,” said Lampa. “Of course, this fear mongering is often applied exclusively to black and brown immigrants, which he has historically alluded to as dregs within American society, a sentiment that is reflected in the worst of his base.”
Lampa added that Trump’s “disdain for communities of color, combined with recent reports of ICE overstepping [its] bounds of authority in detaining US citizens based on their perceived ethnicity ought to serve as a warning sign and a rallying cry for those who are actively and tangentially affected by this approach.”
Lampa added that because of Greenville’s sizable Latino population, many in the community have been concerned.
Lampa also noted that minority communities have long been treated badly in the South. “Greenville, as with many cities in the South, has a history of not always looking out for the best interests of underrepresented members of the community, and I fear we may soon see that trend escalate.”
As protesters marched from the Town Common into downtown Greenville, bystanders and observers heckled them, yelling, “Make America great again and go home.”
Despite the comments, the group continued to march, until stopping for protestors to share personal stories of family members and loved ones affected by the anti-immigrant rhetoric.
Alex Lopez told protestors that his father had been deported. Photo by Darian Hale.
One of the speakers who stood up to share his family’s story was Alex Lopez, a teaching assistant for disabled children. “My dad immigrated to the United States, undocumented but without committing any crime, and he has been deported back to Mexico. I learned about this through a phone call while I was at work.It hurt.”
Another topic concerned a recent Facebook post that went viral by Toby Boutilier, the executive chef and owner of Starlight Café. In the post he described an incident where drunk college students damaged the property of local immigrant construction workers while yelling, “Go back to Mexico.”
Lopez called the incident “deplorable,” saying that it “really shows what type of people they are and what type of people we are allowing to have a voice in our community. If we let things like that go unchecked, then what does that say about what we’re willing to let slide?”
Lopez added that law enforcement should do more to protect immigrants in the community.
Other protestors included Christopher Hill, a traveling electrician and the son of Filipino immigrant parents. He blamed both political parties for having misconceptions about immigrants and for thinking that the country will be better without them.
“It is scapegoating,” he said, “and history has shown that you can get rid of a group of people but what happens when your life is still miserable? And how many scapegoats do you have to live through to figure out hey maybe these people are not the issue.”
Hill added that too many people see immigrants just as laborers. “They are like human beings, you know? . . . I would rather see basic empathy for these people rather than scapegoating.”
Protestors also addressed the rights that immigrants should know if they are detained by ICE and what ways unlawful detainment can be avoided or prevented. They urged community members to be mindful and empathic, and urged local politicians and members of Congress to rally around the support for migrant families suffering from deportation and separation.
Santana Chiefstick, who led chants and organized the line during the march, said citizens can impact policy changes or help those being affected by deportations.
“Being informed, for one, but also having workshops, mobilizing the community, and we must engage with legal attorneys who are willing to help families. I also think that we need to lay out the simple fact that those who are coming here are escaping” things like poverty. Immigrants “are just hardworking people pursuing a better life, just like everyone else,” Chiefstick said. “Maybe then we can forge a unity in Greenville and everywhere, because that is what we need.”
February 10, 2025