MURFREESBORO, NC – Thirteen members of the Chowan University Criminal Justice Club visited East Pavilion Nursing Home in Franklin, Virginia to host Bingo night on March 22, 2017. Accompanied by Professor Pamela Woodard, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, the students visited with residents and helped them play bingo until each participant won a game. Small prizes provided by the Criminal Justice Club were presented to each of the residents who participated.

When she came to Chowan, Professor Woodard vowed to bring life to the Criminal Justice Department and the Criminal Justice Club, saying, “I want our University to be known among the community for our good work.” The Criminal Justice Club meets weekly and commits to some form of community service at least once each month.

Professor Woodard chose East Pavilion Nursing home in Franklin, VA, for this service trip because of her personal childhood connection with it. Her grandmother worked there before ultimately becoming a resident, and her own mother was also a resident. East Pavilion is the place she took her last breath. Professor Woodard recalled how much the men and women loved seeing young people, that it always brought a smile to their faces. She was eager to see those smiles again, and share a place she holds close to her heart with her students.

“Keeping the students motivated means that they must see me motivated. I want to lead by example. My students know that Mama CJ cares about them and their future,” shared Professor Woodard. “I accompany them on all of our community services trips and encourage them. When we walk away, we always have a smile on our face and warmth in our heart.”

Being involved in the community may not seem like a necessary component of a criminal justice degree. However, at Chowan University, professors like Woodard provide a holistic education, providing students with more than subject knowledge. Professor Woodard embodies the Chowan University mission by providing structured and extracurricular opportunities which facilitate positive learning and life experiences for her students.