THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, April 27, 1995               TAG: 9504270374
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 
SOURCE: BY PERRY PARKS, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY                     LENGTH: Short :   50 lines

IT'S EDUCATION'S BEST, WORST OF TIMES, LEADERS SAY

The area's higher education leaders expressed hope and trepidation for the future of their schools, in a breakfast for Chamber of Commerce members Wednesday.

``The state of education is kind of like Charles Dickens describing the tale of two cities,'' Elizabeth City State University Chancellor Jimmy R. Jenkins said. ``These are the best of times for us, and these are the worst of times for us.''

Addressing about 70 educators, business people and community leaders at ECSU's K.E. White Graduate Center, Jenkins listed such assets as the university's music engineering program and growth figures in enrollment to illustrate ``the best of times.''

But he also reminded the audience of movements in Congress and the North Carolina General Assembly to cut back on financial aid programs and staffing support for higher education.

Cuts in personnel ``could really cripple many of our programs here,'' Jenkins warned.

Jenkins also talked about efforts to put ECSU at the forefront of technology, a goal echoed by College of The Albemarle President Larry Donnithorne.

``This is certainly a major focus for us,'' Donnithorne said. ``Technology is certainly transforming the workplace.''

COA is also grappling with its budget in the face of potential cuts from Raleigh.

And Donnithorne said he hopes the state will provide one-time funding to help the college boost staff to accommodate the 200 prisoners it is expected to train when the new Pasquotank prison opens.

Roanoke Bible College receives no government funding, President William Griffin told the group. But the school is working to raise money for a campus life center.

The three college leaders used the forum to demonstrate how their schools fill different niches in the community.

They also pointed out ways in which they cooperate through joint programs and complementary curriculum offerings.

``We have a close relationship with the other two schools in Elizabeth City,'' Griffin said. ``We're grateful for those opportunities we have to work with the other two schools.'' by CNB