Elizabeth "Beth" Brown Sledge
Beth, daughter of Charles Q. and Barbara Hedgepeth Brown, grew up in Greenville, NC, where she graduated J.H. Rose High School. She also graduated Peace Junior College and then earned a Bachelor degree in Business Vocational Technical Education (1984) and a Master degree in Industrial and Technical Education (1991) from East Carolina University.
Beth was employed by the Martin County Public School system where her degrees from ECU led to the position of Coordinator for the Job Training Partnership program (JTPA) for Robersonville and Williamston high Schools. She was a strong advocate for her at-risk students, receiving recognition for her role as Program Coordinator and Mentor by the Region Q Workforce Development Board. Several of her students were also recognized by the board as outstanding JTPA participants. After her marriage to Marshall Sledge, Beth moved to Wake County where she taught Industrial Arts and Shop at W. Millbrook Middle School, again utilizing her education from ECU. For many years, she served as a volunteer at the NC State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Beth was always a champion for the “Underdog” whether it was for her students or for animals in need. Her passion was caring for her pets, which were many and which required much care as she always adopted the animals requiring the most need she could find. Beth struggled since childhood with chronic life threatening diseases which ended her life far too soon. A zest for life characterized her personality and she brought joy to her family and friends. Her bright smile, great sense of humor and spontaneous laughter brightened any room she entered. Beth would be thrilled to know that her legacy is helping students pursue a degree through the College of Engineering and Technology in the field of work that was so dear to her.