Commentary
Dr. Donald E. Ensley, an accomplished public health educator, environmental champion, and steadfast advocate for North Carolina’s coastal communities, is in hospice care, preparing to leave behind a legacy that will forever shape the places and people he touched.
Born and raised in rural Belhaven, Don’s journey was one of resolute determination — breaking barriers as one of East Carolina University’s first African American faculty members in health sciences and dedicating his life to service. As a professor emeritus in the College of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Health Services & Information Management, he mentored generations of students, shaping the future of public health and environmental justice in our state.
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I first met Don in 1982 when a mutual friend urged me to reach out to him as the North Carolina Coastal Federation was taking shape. I walked into his office at ECU not knowing what to expect, but within moments, we connected — united by our love of the coast, our passion for fishing, and our deep appreciation for the cultural heritage of our state’s waterways. Without hesitation, he embraced the need for the Federation and became not only a founding board member but also our first president. His leadership in those early years helped define what the Federation would become — a force for preserving and restoring the natural places and communities we hold dear.
But Don was never just a colleague — he became a dear friend, a trusted confidant, and a fishing buddy whose company I cherished. Over the years, we shared countless adventures, including a red drum surf fishing tournament we ran on Hatteras Island as a fundraiser. It was more than just a tournament — it was a gathering of kindred spirits, an experience made richer by Don’s presence and the fellowship he fostered. On Oct. 26, 1990, after all our participants had arrived, a wayward dredge knocked out the Bonner Bridge, stranding us on the island as a tropical storm raged. I still remember Don bursting into our tournament headquarters with excitement, announcing that a “ship” was pinned against the bridge he had just crossed — only for the power to cut out dramatically moments later. That was the last year we held the tournament, realizing that hosting a fixed event on an ever-shifting island might not be the best idea.
Back then, the Federation was small, operating more like a family than an organization. Our board and staff were deeply connected, and those annual membership meetings at the oceanfront pavilion of Hammocks Beach State Park were special times. We’d all stay the night on the island, sometimes joined by guests like former Congressman Richard Preyer and his wife. One night, we were all jolted awake when Don’s young daughter, Akilah, tumbled out of her bunk bed, crying out in the darkness. That moment — funny in retrospect — was just a glimpse of the love and devotion Don had for his family. Akilah has since built an incredible career leading a strategic policy firm in Washington, D.C., but in recent years, as Don’s health declined, she has remained a constant presence by his side — an unwavering source of strength in his final chapter.
Even after his initial tenure on the Federation’s board, Don never truly left. He returned in later years, stepping up once again to serve on the board, ensuring that we never lost sight of our roots. Despite his own health struggles and the loss of his beloved wife, Ramona, he continued to show up, offering institutional memory, insights, and steady leadership as the organization transitioned. His vision was clear: the Federation’s mission was not just about protecting the coast—it was about making it a place where both people and nature could thrive.
Beyond his work with the Federation, Don’s impact reached even further. As a member of the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, he played a critical role in shaping policies to protect the state’s air and water. I’ll never forget one of the largest public hearings ever held by the commission at East Carteret High School, where Don presided over an emotional and powerful debate about a controversial plan to pump treated sewage more than 30 miles to eastern Carteret County farmland. Thousands of people made clear they objected to the plan, and after the hearing, the idea was abandoned.
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Don’s dedication to public health, equitable access to resources, and community empowerment has left an indelible mark. His efforts helped build the Federation into what it is today, but more than that, his kindness, his tenacity, and his unwavering friendship left a mark on all of us who were lucky enough to know him.
As he prepares to take his leave, I find myself reflecting on the conversations we had, the successes we cherished, and the laughter we shared. I will miss hearing his voice and insights and experiencing his relentless determination. But I also know that his wisdom and his spirit won’t fade. They live on in the work he championed, in the people he mentored, and in the coast that he loved so deeply.
Fair winds and following seas, my friend. Your legacy endures.
