Hospital President to Speak at ECC Graduation

Patrick Heins

Patrick Heins, president of ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital, will serve as the keynote speaker for Edgecombe Community College’s Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony. Heins, who has served as hospital president since 2018, is expected to deliver a captivating message to the graduates on Friday, May 9 at 4 p.m. The ceremony will be held in the Keihin Auditorium, located in the Fleming building on ECC’s Tarboro campus.

The 24-year United States Army veteran has a wealth of healthcare experience. Heins began his career as a nursing assistant, later advancing to ICU staff nurse and then manager. He also served as vice president of Patient Care Services at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital. Prior to his current role, Heins was president at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital.

A fellow of the Healthcare Advisory Board, Heins holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration from East Carolina University. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from East Carolina University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland College Park.

In addition to being a member of the Rotary Club of Tarboro, Heins serves on the boards of Area L AHEC, Tarboro Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce and Strategic Twin-Counties Education Partnership. Before advancing in his healthcare career, Heins was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart following multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

For more information on ECC’s Commencement, please call (252) 618-6526, or email graduation@edgecombe.edu.