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Congressional Daily Record
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April 30, 2026
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Download official Senate Record PDFReturn to issue contextMr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Michelle Brooks, the executive vice dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, on being named the recipient of the prestigious James R. Talton Jr. Leadership Award. The Talton Leadership Award was established to honor the legacy of the late James R. Talton, Jr., a titan of the North Carolina business community and a devoted servant of East Carolina University. This award is not merely a recognition of professional success; it is a testament to “servant leadership,” a philosophy defined by collaboration, empathy, trust, and the ethical use of authority.
distinguished career. Her journey is a quintessential story of dedication to the Greenville community and the people of North Carolina. A proud alumna of East Carolina University, where she earned her master of science in nursing, Michelle began her career at the most fundamental level of healthcare: as a bedside nurse.
to executive leadership, never losing the perspective of the frontline provider or the patient. This transition from bedside care to the boardroom is a masterclass in the “continuous learning and development” that the Talton Award seeks to honor.
Michelle serves as a vital bridge between clinical excellence and public policy. Her work focusing on the healthcare workforce and the sustainability of rural medicine is critical to the future of our region. She is more than an administrator; she is a “positive change agent” who fosters the development of those around her, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare leaders is rooted in the same ethical professionalism she has demonstrated throughout her career.
ECU community mirrors the dedication of James R. Talton, Jr., himself. Like Mr. Talton, she understands that true leadership is measured by the strength of the community one leaves behind. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Michelle Brooks for her three decades of service, her unwavering character, and her well-deserved receipt of the James R. Talton Jr. Leadership Award. She is a credit to East Carolina University and a beacon of leadership for the great State of North Carolina.