a new branding and marketing campaign increasing awareness of the institution nationally and internationally; launching initiatives to increasing research activity by 50% over five years; launching initiatives to increase internationalization including doubling the number of students participating in study abroad over five years; doubling the enrollment of the Honors College beginning fall 2017; launching initiative to increase enrollment at the Brody School of Medicine by 50% over the next five years; launching a new university enterprise partnering with SAS focusing upon rural prosperity concentrating on healthcare, education, and economic development disparities in rural North Carolina; leading ECU's Strategic Plan Extension for 2017—2022: Capture Your Horizon; launching a $500 million capital campaign, the largest in the institution's history; and leading preparations for creating ECU's 13th college, the College of Public Health, in 2021. As Chancellor, Staton oversaw numerous capital projects including $70 million in dormitory renovations, a $60 million southside stadium renovation, opening a new $37 million student center on the health sciences campus in 2017, opening a new $122 million student union on the main campus in January 2019, and preparing for the construction of a new $8 million innovation hub and collision space for the Miller School of Entrepreneurship and a $95 million life sciences building, due to be completed in 2021. He 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, Staton held the rank of Professor with Tenure in Philosophy and Religious Studies. On Monday, March 18, 2019, Staton announced that he would step down as chancellor of East Carolina University, at the conclusion of the academic year. 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. The ECU Board of Trustees elected Staton Chancellor Emeritus at their April 2019 meeting. Personal life Staton is the author of several books and articles. He is married to the former Catherine Lynn Davidson of Woodruff, South Carolina. They have two children: Cecil P. Staton, III (Trey) born in 1991 and William Davidson Staton born