English and Humanities Instructor Receives Prestigious Award

Awards • Faculty & Staff • September 3, 2025

Woman seated on wooden chair in front of glass door.

Lorrie Coltraine

Lorrie Coltraine became slightly emotional after her name was called during Edgecombe Community College’s fall semester kickoff. The English and humanities instructor was presented with the Astemo Endowed Faculty Chair Award, rewarding excellence in teaching.

Coltraine’s emotions prevented her from speaking much during the Aug. 11th event, but afterwards, the 10-year ECC employee stated, “I am honored to be amongst faculty that have received this award. I thank everyone that has helped me during my 10 years at ECC. This college consists of some of the best people I have been blessed to be around. I look forward to the 2025-2026 school year at Edgecombe Community College, and I strive to be the one that is deserving of such an honor.”

The Astemo Endowed Faculty Chair Award is the highest distinction the college can bestow on a member of its faculty. Winners receive $2,500 and a chair with an engraved brass nameplate. Coltraine was selected by a committee of ECC personnel from a pool of several nominees who submitted a performance portfolio, an essay and a philosophy of teaching.

Coltraine’s philosophy of teaching read, in part, “my personal objective in my courses is to implore students to use their voice. We all have something of value to say, but many do not feel that they are included in that statement. I want my students to genuinely feel and own their social importance, and they are required to use that voice in the classroom and in writing.

In addition to working as an instructor for ECC, Coltraine has served as a founding member of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE), a co-host with Lynn Huff of a professional reading series at CTLE, as well as a member of the Distance Education Committee and the Faculty Leave Committee.

Coltraine received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in English, both from East Carolina University.

Coltraine is the eighteenth Astemo Endowed Faculty Chair Award winner at ECC.