Title: Don Parrott Oral History Interview, June 11, 2020.

Identifier: UA95.18.03   (https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/62320)

Description: Video recording of Don Parrott's interview for the "The Rise of Alpha Dog" oral history project conducted by Don Leggett. The project explores perceptions of East Carolina as an "underdog" or "alpha dog." Parrott describes his early life, education, and accounting career, and his experiences as an East Carolina student and alumnus. Leggett asks Parrott whether he believed East Carolina was perceived as a subordinate or "underdog" institution when he enrolled in ECC, and whether and in what areas ECU is still seen as subordinate to other universities. They discuss how "underdog" status can be an advantage in athletics and other areas, if East Carolina's "underdog" status will take conscious effort to change, and whether the university community will be reluctant to give up the role. Next they discuss what role ECU would have as an "alpha dog," what will motivate ECU to improve further, and ECU's ultimate destiny as an educational institution. Finally Leggett and Parrott discuss the advantages of Greenville and the East Carolina region, whether ECU can continue its role in improving the region while becoming a respected academic institution, and what will mark ECU's arrival at "alpha dog" status.