Widely Known, Widely Respected, Troy Pate Jr.
This article describes Troy W. Pate, Jr. This and other articles may be found in the University Archives.
Citation for this article is: "Widely Known, Widely Respected -- Troy W. Pate, Jr.," ECU Report, Volume 13, No. 5, September 1981.
"Troy Pate's leadership has strengthened every major area within the University.He helped guide East Carolina during one of its most important eras. I am personally gratified for the excellent counsel, friendship, and support he has unselfishly given during the first three years of my administration. The University is fortunate that he will continue to serve as a trustee." -- Chancellor Thomase B. Brewer
The road between Goldsboro and Greenville is a well-traveled one for Troy Wendell Pate, Jr., who has been a member of the ECU Board of Trustees for eight years and served as chairman for the past six.He elected not to be a candidate for chairman this year, but will finish his term which runs until 1983.
Pate's frequent visits to the campus are not only for Board meetings, but he meets with student and faculty groups and attends many theatrical productions and sports events.He is highly supportive of both men's and women's athletics and is a member of the Board's athletic committee and has served on the Pirate Club Board.
The 1958 graduate of ECU who is president of First Federal Savings and Loan of Goldsboro, presided over the Board during a critical time of change for the University. An era was ending, one of rapid growth in enrollment and the physical plant, and another beginning, one of improving excellence on that foundation.This transition came at the time the Board was involved with the selection of a new chancellor and Pate, as chairman of that committee, exhibited profound leadership.
"Troy earned the total respect and confidence of his colleagues on the Board," said Board member John F. Minges. "He is an excellent leader, always calm, considerate, and willing to listen to others.He has a keen talent for knowing what the role of the Baord of Trustees should be in helping to strengthen the University."
Since his tenure on the Board, the University has seen the addition of numerous programs in liberal arts, professional schools, and the health sciences.He was very instrumental in obtaining the authorization for the medical school.
Troy Pate exhibits the same concern and involvement with his community as he has demonstrated to his alma mater. His interest in young people keeps him close to the Goldsboro Boys Club, and he frequently does the broadcast for the Goldsboro High School football games. He has been a deacon at the First Baptist Church, served as president of the Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the board of directors for several organizations. He has been a leader in insuring continuing good relations between Seymour Johnnson Air Force Base and Wayne County and the City of Goldsboro.He was invited to attend a major NATO combined exercise "Crested Cap" in Germany as a distinguished guest of the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force.
This widely known and respected Troy Pate is also very much a family man. He is married to the former Joyce Casey and with their children, Troy III and Lynne, spend most of their free time together.
