Chowan University recognized Frances Eason Cole, Alice Linda Hassell, and Dr. John Dilustro as the 2017-2018 employees of the year.

Female Employee of the Year recognized two exceptional women who share several similarities. Both Cole and Hassell work in the Whitaker Library, are local, and have served Chowan for more than twenty years. In fact, they both have familial ties to Chowan, as their mothers, who have since retired, were also employed by Chowan.

Cole is Public Service Assistant with the Whitaker Library and essentially grew-up on campus. Her mother, Andrea Eason, has been a part of the Chowan family since 1969 and Cole herself graduated from Chowan in 1996 with a degree in English. She received a job offer from Chowan a month after she graduated, and has remained on staff since. She gained experience in a variety of areas within the University before landing at Whitaker Library in a position she loves.

Hassell, Associate Director of Library Services and Special Collections, is a member of Lux et Veritas, meaning she has served the University for more than 25 years, however, she began in 1975 and has been faithful for 44 years. Dr. White, 22nd president of Chowan University and current Chancellor, described her as a quiet person who does the job well and efficiently and is kind to everyone.

Male Employee of the Year was awarded to Dr. Dilustro. Dr. Dilustro began as a Biology professor and currently serves as the Associate Provost. Dr. White explained, “There are people who are faculty who teach and have the opportunity to be recognized with the Outstanding Teaching Award. There are other faculty members who don’t get to teach because they are staff too, and they get left out. John Dilustro is one of those people.” Dr. Dilustro has been a member of both the Chowan faculty and staff for 13 years. 

Please join Chowan University in congratulating the employees of the year!