The Athletic Department at Elizabeth City State University dedicates itself to serving all student-athletes. Athletic competitions at ECSU adhere to the fundamental principles of fair play can be of value to individuals, students, to members of the immediate collegiate community to the larger institution's constituency. Athletics will not foster the concept of winning at any cost - oversight of intent. The Athletics Department commits to ensuring good coaching, proper equipment, medical care, academics, support and counseling.

The philosophy of the Athletics Department at ECSU is based upon the mission of the University. Elizabeth City State University maintains viable program offerings, under girded by effective teaching. The teaching-learning environment is especially tailored to foster the total development of its students - a population which primarily reflects the demographic, socioeconomic, and education diversity found in Northeastern North Carolina.

Elizabeth City State University is a comprehensive University, offering baccalaureate degree program in the sciences, selected professional and pre-professional areas, and the master's degree in elementary education. Through its Graduate Center, the university provides masters level programs for advanced professional study in conjunction with other constituent institutions.

Elizabeth City State University is a Division II member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the oldest African-American athletic conference in the United States. The CIAA is comprised of twelve member institutions: Bowie State University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, North Carolina Central University, Saint Augustine's College, Saint Paul's College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. Elizabeth City State sponsors eleven intercollegiate sports. The men's sports include football, cross country, basketball, baseball and golf. The women's sports include volleyball, bowling, cross country, basketball, tennis and softball.