Staff Profile: Deatrice Suggs

Name: Deatrice Suggs

Title & department: Director of Administrative Services, College of Education

What does your new role as director of administrative services involve, and what are you most looking forward to in the position?

My new role as Director of Administrative Services is focused on enhancing and streamlining our administrative operations, ensuring that our processes are consistent and that our team is well equipped to support the College effectively. I’m most looking forward to building a culture of accountability, flexibility, and resilience, while also integrating people and processes to cultivate a more efficient and collaborative administrative environment. It’s an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the ongoing success of our College. 

What are some of your goals for your first year in this role? 

My goals are to build strong relationships and thoroughly outline all office functions, workflows, deadlines, and operational needs to fully understand the scope of responsibilities across the college. I plan to define functional work areas and service expectations, as well as identify both primary and secondary coverage for each responsibility. Additionally, strengthen communication and establish clear roles and expectations to prevent overreliance on any single individual. 

What are you hoping to bring to the role based on your experience at ECU?

I’m hoping to bring my extensive knowledge of ECU, strong administrative experience, and a service-focused approach to this role. Having worked at ECU for many years, I understand the importance of collaboration, consistency, and supporting people effectively. I want to use my experience in office management, budgeting, policy implementation, and staff support to help strengthen processes, improve efficiency, and build a strong, responsive administrative team.

What excites you most about the opportunity to serve in this new capacity?

I’m excited about this role because it combines leadership, operational strategy, and organizational impact. Administrative services are the backbone of an organization, and I enjoy creating systems that help teams work more efficiently. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my experience in supervision, staff leadership, and process improvement to help support the organization’s continued success.

What’s something fun or unique you’d like people to know about you?

I have a real passion for music, especially jazz. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Traveling and supporting art through music and theater.