East Carolina University is taking advantage of the skills of full-time administrators to expand the pool of teachers on the campus. Especially in a time of acute budget problems, it is more efficient to find part-time instructors who are already employed at the university than to recruit off-campus, officials say.

   At least 18 full-time administrators and staff members at ECU were also in the classroom last year, teaching a total of 29 courses in a variety of departments.

   "This is an advantage for both the students and the administrators," said Dr. Robert J. Thompson, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs. "It allows the students to benefit from the experience and expertise of staff members and it keeps the administrators in touch with our students."

   The teaching activities of the administrators were in addition to their regular responsibilities. Those involved included James LeRoy Smith, executive assistant to the chancellor, who taught philosophy sections; Tom Powell, director of admissions, who taught management courses; and Dwain Teague, associate director of library services, who taught speech. Mike Dorsey, dean of the School of Art, will teach an art course in the fall semester.

   "We have talented people working in all parts of the university," Thompson said. "ECU is fortunate to have individuals who can fill more than one role."

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