McEachern starts work as new executive assistant for the college

A four-year employee of East Carolina University has been named the new executive assistant for the College of Engineering and Technology (CET).

Turrochelle “Turre” McEachern started in her new role on Monday. She replaces Bonnie Eshelman who retired in October after 27 years with the college.

Turrochelle McEachern started her role as the new executive assistant for the College of Engineering and Technology on Monday. (ECU photo by Ken Buday)

McEachern previously worked as the lead administrative assistant in ECU’s Department of Chemistry and received a 2018 Treasured Pirate Award, which recognizes special or unique contributions of ECU employees.

“I wanted to grow and reach new levels within the university, and I love meeting new people,” McEachern said of changing jobs. “I have always wanted to work in higher education, where I could have an impact on the lives of our younger generation.

“I truly enjoy meeting and interacting with our great students to help them, in some small way, navigate their new paths of life choices, all while developing lasting relationships with faculty and staff across our great campus.”

With the Department of Chemistry, McEachern worked on the third floor of the Science and Technology Building. With CET, she’ll come down to the first floor and have an office across the hallway from Dr. Harry Ploehn, dean of the college.

“In my new role, my No. 1 goal is to give excellent service to the dean and the entire college,” McEachern said. “My hope is that my hard work and dedication will make a permanent impact on the college and the employees that I will be working with.”

Among her many duties, McEachern will provide administrative support for the dean and the dean’s office, and the college’s four departments and three centers. She’ll serve as the administrative liaison for all business functions to include budgeting and planning, and will also work with other university offices including academic affairs, human resources, and finance and administration.

A native of Williamston, McEachern has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Barton College, and master’s degrees in business administration and public administration from Strayer University.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, shopping, home decorating and going to church.

“I am truly excited about the opportunity to work in the dean’s office along with everyone else in the College of Engineering and Technology,” McEachern said. “And I look forward to a successful 2021 year for everyone.”

— By Ken Buday