She’s the first to admit she’s a talker. But the talent of effectively communicating with all kinds of people has led Chowan student Melissa Hernandez down the path to places she never thought she’d go, including a mission trip to Cuba and study abroad trips to Scotland and the Holy Land.

Since her arrival on campus in August 2013, she has shined in leadership positions while serving others through her work with organizations such as the E3 Worship Team and Rotaract. Using her faith as her guide, Hernandez is committed to helping people create a better future and to the welfare and dignity of each student and community member. For her work, Chowan honored her with the Faith in Your Future Award in April 2016.

Throughout her career at Chowan, Hernandez, who is the current Miss Chowan, has promoted student life on campus and inspired students to focus on leadership, scholarship, and community service in order to gain success in life.

Currently, she serves as Co-President of the Honors College Student Association, President of the North Carolina Phi Chapter of the Alpha Chi Honor Society, a Presidential Ambassador, a Resident Director, a member of the Ethics Bowl Team, and a Campus Tour Guide. In the past, she has served as the President of the History Club, member of The Brown Lady magazine editorial board, and Team Captain of the Brown Lady Academic Bowl History Team, which won three championships during her tenure.

In addition to the Alpha Chi Honor Society, Hernandez is a member of the Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society.

In February, she was recognized as a Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for the second time.

As one of her fellow students recently wrote, she is “the shining star on campus.”