[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MICHELLE BROOKS

 Mr. 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.
  Michelle Brooks embodies these virtues in every facet of her 
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.
  Over a 30-year tenure at ECU Health, she ascended through the ranks 
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.
  In her current role as executive vice dean and legislative liaison, 
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.
  Michelle's commitment to the Brody School of Medicine and the broader 
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.

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