Gretchen Bates , Associate Director of Campus Experiences

batesg26@ecu.edu (252) 737-2386

Originally from Wake Forest, North Carolina, Gretchen Bates earned her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Christopher Newport University and her Master of Education in Student Affairs from Clemson University.

Before joining ECU, Gretchen worked in new student orientation at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she developed a strong passion for helping students find connection, community, and a sense of belonging on campus. Through that experience, she saw how impactful campus experiences can be in shaping a student’s college journey, especially when students and families are first beginning to imagine what life on campus could look like.

That passion for creating welcoming and meaningful experiences ultimately led Gretchen to her role at ECU. She is excited to help students and families experience the energy, community, and opportunities that make the university special. For Gretchen, those moments matter most when students begin to picture themselves at ECU and discover a place where they can belong and thrive.

For Gretchen, ECU is “a place where students are encouraged to be themselves, find where they belong, and grow into who they want to become.”

When not helping future Pirates experience ECU, you might find Gretchen reading or discovering new bookstores.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers