Dr. Julian R. Mills, Sr., Chowan University graduate, class of ’59, and current trustee member was presented the North Carolina Baptist Heritage Award. The award recognizes individuals who represent exemplary giving and service to organizations associated with the Baptist State Convention of NC.

Dr. Mills is a founding member of the Chowan Christian Service Association (CCSA) and a former board president. He is a champion and tireless advocate for the organization. He and his wife, Mary, were among the first to create endowed CCSA scholarships for students. These scholarships provide funding for deserving students who are called into ministry, regardless of profession. Dr. Mills’ passion for CCSA is derived from his sincere desire to help students and to keep his beloved alma mater connected to Christian roots.

In 2012, as CCSA President, Dr. Mills assisted the board in expanding its impact when he created the Missions Endowment to provide mission trip scholarships for Campus Ministry. Due to the faithfulness of Dr. Mills and other association members, the CCSA scholarship and Missions Endowment has grown to $1.7 million and impacted 132 students.

Dr. Mills’ advocacy for CCSA is reflective of his own call to ministry. He was a bi-vocational pastor while he served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. Each time he was relocated, he and his wife were provided another opportunity to pastor and plant churches. Once Dr. Mills retired from the Air Force, the decorated veteran returned to North Carolina and pastored five more churches. He tried to retire from ministry, but the call to help churches led him to eight interim pastorates.

Dr. Mills also has a heart for serving NC Baptists. He has served as the interim director of the North Roanoke Baptist Association and two terms as chairperson of the Committee on Nominations for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.

Dr. and Mrs. Mills have been married 57 years, and reside in their hometown of Roanoke Rapids, NC. They are proud parents of Julian R., Jr. (deceased), Steven, Marsha, and Jonathan, and are grandparents to Terri, Charles, Marcus, Krystel, Elizabeth, and Ayden.