When donors make gifts to ECU, they often choose to funnel resources to students and scholarships. While valuable, a generous College of Business professor knows that the faculty who educate those students are equally deserving of donations. Dr. Diana Haytko, chair of marketing and supply chain management, said fundraising to reward faculty is often overlooked, and she wanted to do something for those who go above and beyond year after year.
That's why she created the Elizabeth Haytko Faculty Fellowship, in honor of her mother, to provide a $5,000 award for an MVP faculty member in the college. She also pledged $1 million in her will to establish two professorships - one focused on teaching, the other on research.
"I hope that my generosity gives the faculty who receive these awards incentive to continue their good, hard work that they've been doing all these years," Haytko said.
Dr. Christine Kowalcyk, the first recipient of the Elizabeth Haytko Faculty Fellowship, said she was honored to be chosen.
"My work at ECU has always been fulfilling. Receiving this fellowship was a wonderful surprise! I appreciate being recognized for my dedication to my students, department and college," Kowalcyk said.
Haytko made the fellowship and the teaching professorship in memory of her mother, who grew up in Germany during World War II. Haytko's parents were unable to attend college, but they placed a high value on education for their three daughters.
"My mother told us that education was the key to success in life. She pushed all of us to get as far as we could," Haytko said.
Haytko and her mother moved to North Carolina together when Haytko started at ECU in 2018. The warm welcome they both received from the university is one of the reasons Haytko chose to give back.
"From the minute I moved here, my mom and I were brought into the fold as family. The College of Business made us both feel like we belonged, even though I did not grow up here and did not go to school here," Haytko said.
"Since joining the College of Business four years ago, Diana has become a Pirate that both leads and gives back to the COB," said Dr. Mike Harris, interim dean, College of Business. "The generous gift in her mother's name will enhance how we support our dedicated faculty. We'll do our utmost to do the very best by it."
In addition to her faculty gifts, Haytko created one study abroad scholarship for students.
"Being able to travel the world has been the most eye-opening journey I've ever taken, and I think all students should have that opportunity," Haytko said. (Shortly after this interview, Haytko left for a monthlong trip to Iceland and Greenland.)
"I hope this scholarship enables students to see the world and gain insight beyond Greenville and North Carolina," Haytko said.
Haytko knew early on in her schooling that she wanted to be a professor. She currently teaches MBA classes on marketing strategy. She enjoys showing students how marketing drives companies and how supply chain issues determine whether consumers can get goods and services - a topic of national and international importance due to the pandemic. The best part of her job, though, is the students, she said.
"The most exciting part is giving them their degrees at graduation. I love watching my students be successful," Haytko said.
And what would student success be without the professors who give them the tools to excel?
Supporting faculty and academics was extremely important to Haytko, as was leaving a legacy for herself and her mother. Planning ahead was key to her giving, she said. Her advice to others: "Give to people while you're here and able to decide where your money goes."
