Five Prime Podcast

This special edition of Pirate Happenings features Dr. Phillip Rogers, Chancellor of East Carolina University, returning for his regular conversation about issues and developments impacting the university and the surrounding community. Topics include student enrollment, university funding, the Brody School of Medicine, and academic programs and initiatives shaping ECU’s future.

 Pastor Rodney Coles Sr., founder of Churches Outreach Network, joins the program for an in-depth look at the organization’s work and its impact on the community. He discusses its various programs and outreach initiatives, relationships with community agencies, and efforts to bring organizations together to serve local families, including the coordination of Toys for Tots. 

Jonathan Sergeant, Energy Services Team Lead, returns to the show to share practical energy-saving tips for the upcoming winter months. He discusses recommended thermostat settings, ways to improve energy efficiency at home, and assistance programs available to help households manage heating costs during colder weather. 

Dr. Taylor Matkins, Chief of Schools and Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership for Pitt County Schools, returns to discuss the district’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan. He explains how his team guided the planning process and worked to develop five new strategic priorities to shape the district’s direction and support its long-term goals. 

Faris Dixon, District Attorney for Judicial District 3, which encompasses Pitt County, joins the program to discuss the responsibilities of his office and its role in the local justice system. He highlights initiatives undertaken by his organization, priorities for the district, and his goals for serving the community. 

Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health and Dean of the Brody School of Medicine, joins the program to discuss the healthcare system’s role in serving residents throughout eastern North Carolina. He explores the challenges of delivering care in rural communities, the unique healthcare needs of the region, and ongoing projects and initiatives designed to address emerging needs.

Taneisha Armstrong, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with NC Cooperative Extension, working with NC State and NC A&T State Universities, joins the program to discuss the Mediterranean Diet and its approach to healthy eating. She highlights the benefits of the diet, lifestyle changes, recipes, and special events and programs available through NC Cooperative Extension. 

Brock Letchworth, Public Information Officer for the City of Greenville, is joined by Lisa Kirby, Director of Engineering and Right of Way Services. They discuss major construction projects throughout the city, with a focus on the recently approved pedestrian plan and opportunities for residents to provide input during its development. 

 Dr. Jason Higginson, Executive Dean of the Brody School of Medicine and Chief Health Officer at ECU Health, joins the conversation to discuss the mission and role of the medical school in eastern North Carolina. Topics include the expansion of medical education facilities, academic programs and specialties, emerging technologies, and efforts to address health disparities in rural and underserved communities. 

This episode features Dr. Mary Catherine Turner, Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education at ECU Health Medical Center and the Brody School of Medicine. She discusses the Graduate Medical Education (GME) program and its 50 years of educating and training physicians while serving the healthcare needs of eastern North Carolina.