To show recognition of their dedicated support, Chowan University has bestowed its highest honor upon Hargus and Doris Taylor of Murfreesboro, NC. In a heartfelt ceremony, Chowan President Chris White presented the deserving couple with the esteemed Spirit of Chowan Award.

“Hargus has been the confidant of several presidents, and a leader of spiritual life on campus as he’s served as Religion Department Chair and as Chaplain,” stated Dr. White, “And Doris was a mainstay at Whitaker Library for many years, right there with him the whole way. They make a good team.”

Dr. Taylor responded at an previous celebration marking their years of support for the Chowan Christian Service Association, “Thank you very much for the kind things you’ve said and for the life we’ve had at Chowan,” recalling his 36 years of service, as well as his wife Doris’s 30 years of support and encouragement.

Serving the CCSA as Secretary since its conception in 2005, Dr. Taylor has had a hand in the many tweaks that have made the organization improve to the quality it strives for today in helping ministerial students gain valuable assistance in affording their studies or mission experiences. Dr. Taylor is also known as one of the leading Baptist historians in the state, as well as a senior and vocal leader of college campus ministers for North Carolina.

“Through the years, I have admired Hargus and Doris Taylor, and it’s a special occasion for us to be gathered here to honor their lifetime of service to Chowan and the community,” remarked Elaine Myers, President of the CCSA during that celebration. “Your lives have really touched many people.”

Beginning as Chaplain to the College in 1968, Taylor has held many positions on the historic campus throughout his career including Director of Denominational Relations and Chair of the Department of Religion. Even after his retirement in 1999, Taylor continues to serve as University Historian.

Fostering Baptist history and heritage, the Taylors were instrumental in establishing the Oscar Creech Collection of Baptist History at Chowan’s Whitaker Library; establishing the Hargus and Doris Taylor Scholarship; and establishing the Taylor Heritage Lectures and Endowment at Chowan as well. As Chaplain for the athletic programs, and especially in men’s basketball, the Taylors are Chowan’s #1 supporters.

“Their work has brought them many accolades,” White expressed, “But they have always remained very humble and are always thrilled to be a part of the program.”

Now the Taylors have one more accolade for their shelf – the Spirit of Chowan Award. Intended to honor extraordinary individuals who so embody the heart and soul of the university that they warrant recognition by the university community, the Taylors are only the ninth recipient of the Spirit of Chowan Award since its conception by a thoughtful board member in 2003.