33 Facts About Cecil Staton

Cecil Staton served as the Chancellor of East Carolina University from 2016 to 2019.

Previously, Staton served as Interim President of Valdosta State University and as Vice Chancellor for Extended Education with the University System of Georgia.

Cecil Staton served five terms as an elected official in the US state of Georgia.

Cecil Staton was a member of the Republican Party and served in the Georgia State Senate representing the 18th district, which includes portions of Bibb, Houston, Monroe, Jones, and Crawford counties.

Cecil Staton graduated from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina in 1980, winning the Baggott Award as the outstanding religion major of the graduating class.

Cecil Staton earned Master of Divinity with Languages and Master of Theology degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina focusing on Hebrew, the Old Testament, and ancient near eastern studies.

Cecil Staton earned a DPhil from University of Oxford in 1988, focusing on Hebrew, the Old Testament, and Ancient Near Eastern Studies.

In 2014, Cecil Staton was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree by Mercer University for service and leadership in higher education and medical education for the State of Georgia.

Cecil Staton was first elected in 2004, facing both primary and general election opposition.

Cecil Staton was re-elected without opposition in 2006,2008, and 2010.

In 2012, Cecil Staton defeated a primary opponent and with no general election opponent was elected to a fifth term.

Cecil Staton served as vice-chair of the Republican Caucus before being elected Majority Whip in November 2010, and as such served on the Committee on Assignments, which appoints committee chairs and members.

Cecil Staton was involved with higher education and health-care issues including trauma care, and sponsored elections bills including Georgia's requirement for a photo identification for elections.

In 2010, Cecil Staton was named Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Rural Health Care Association as well as Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Technology Association.

In 2011, Cecil Staton was named legislator of the year by the Georgia Hospital Association.

In 2014, Cecil Staton received the Miller-Deal Award from the Georgia Independent College Association.

In May 2014, it was announced that Cecil Staton would join the University System of Georgia as Vice-Chancellor for Extended Education.

Cecil Staton served as the Chief International Officer for the system and was responsible for the system-wide priorities of international education, continuing and professional education, entrepreneurial education, and military affairs.

Cecil Staton served as a member of the Promotions and Tenure Committee and as an editor for the institutional self-study for renewal of accreditation.

Cecil 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.

Cecil Staton worked for Mercer University for more than eleven years, as Associate Provost and Associate Professor.

Cecil Staton led Mercer's academic publishing efforts through Mercer University Press, with responsibility for encouraging and assisting faculty in their research and publishing endeavors.

Cecil Staton 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.

Cecil Staton 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.

Cecil Staton led University Advancement activities that secured more than $4,500,000 in endowment for the Mercer University Press.

Cecil Staton served as the Chief International Officer for the USG.

Cecil Staton worked with the Board of Regent's economic development office to identify expansion opportunities with the private sector, government, and USG supporters.

Cecil Staton led efforts to create the Georgia Film Academy, to support the workforce needs of Georgia's film and digital entertainment industry.

Cecil Staton 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.

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

On Monday, March 18,2019, Cecil Staton announced that he would step down as chancellor of East Carolina University, at the conclusion of the academic year.

Cecil 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.

Cecil Staton is married to the former Catherine Lynn Davidson of Woodruff, South Carolina.