Chowan Announces 23rd President
At a press conference on February 15, 2018, the Board of Trustees of Chowan University announced the selection of Dr. Kirk E. Peterson as the 23rd president of Chowan University. He will take office June 1, 2018.
“My family and I are thrilled to return to Murfreesboro and Chowan University,” stated Dr. Peterson. “We are eager to become reacquainted with members of the Chowan community, faculty, and staff and to become acquainted with those members we have yet to meet. Our family is blessed beyond measure to serve a remarkable university, its talented faculty, its dedicated staff, and its most important constituents: the students.”
“Dr. Peterson’s academic credentials are impeccable,” stated Frank Rose, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Dr. Peterson is no stranger to Chowan University, for he served as a faculty and staff member from 2004-2010. During these years, he served as the Chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education, as the founding Dean of the Graduate school, and as Associate Provost.”
Dr. Peterson earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Tennessee in 2000, along with a Master of Science degree in education with a major in mental health counseling, and holds a second Master of Science degree in education with a major in sports psychology earned in 1996. In 1994, he received the Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from University of Wisconsin-La-Crosse.
Dr. Peterson also has experience as Senior Vice President and Interim President followed by President at Urbana University in Ohio. After facilitating a successful merger of Urbana, saving the university from absolute closure, Dr. Peterson became superintendent of two private schools in Ohio. His breadth of experience as both faculty and administrator in higher, secondary, and elementary education uniquely prepares him to lead Chowan University.
Dr. M. Christopher White, the current Chowan University president, announced last fall he would transition to the role of Chancellor after thirty-two years as a university president. This transition will coordinate with Dr. Peterson’s arrival in June. This cooperative succession will allow Dr. White to assist Dr. Peterson, raise funds for important projects, and help raise the profile of the University.
“I commend the trustees on their wisdom in the selection process,” said Dr. White. “I highly commend the new president. If the past is the prologue to the future, he will lead Chowan to unprecedented heights. I believe he is God’s chosen leader for this time in Chowan’s history.”
“Dr. Peterson is a man of faith and integrity,” Rose concluded. “He knows Chowan and her students. He believes in Chowan’s mission and values. He is a proven leader. In summary, the trustees believe that Dr. Kirk E. Peterson is the leader that Chowan University needs at this time.”
Dr. Peterson, his wife Rachel, and their sons, Caleb, Cody, and Justin, will return to the Chowan family June 1, 2018. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Peterson and welcoming him and his family to Murfreesboro.