Chowan University is one of twenty-two colleges across North Carolina slated to participate in the 8th annual Ethics Bowl hosted by North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) February 8 and 9, at the North Carolina Legislative complex in Raleigh with the topic of “Ethics and the Environment.”

The Chowan University team is led by campus coordinators Dr. J. Brabban, E. Lee Oliver Fagan Professor of Bible and Professor of Religion, and Dr. Keith Reich, Department of Religion Chair and Associate Professor of Religion. Student participants include:

Grace Arredondo of Charleston, SC- Junior, English major

Ravine Billy of Thomasville, NC- Junior, Psychology major

Jaime Calcagno of Carry, NC- Senior, Biology major

Rayven Freeman of Leland, NC- Senior, Criminal Justice major

Sean Timmons of Poquoson, VA- Senior, Religion major

Last year, Chowan advanced to the final round for the first time in the school’s history, along with Salem College. Regina Jones, a Chowan senior at the time, said, “This opportunity gives individuals the ability to vocalize the notion that the world is not merely black and white; the world is a spectrum of ideas and concepts.” She continued, “It helps groups and individuals learn how to debate, process thoughts, and be confident in their ideals. I hope everyone will realize it is all of our responsibility to help others appreciate diversity of thought.”

 “The Ethics Bowl is both academically challenging and a personally rewarding experience for our students,” said NCICU president Hope Williams. “Determining ethical responses to complex situations leads to personal awareness and valuable discussion among team members and participating business and community leaders.”

Each Ethics Bowl team consists of four-to-six students. A campus coordinator works with the students to prepare them for the competition which consists of four rounds over the two-days, plus semi-final and final rounds. In each round, a specially developed case study outlining a complex ethical situation related to the environment will be presented to the teams for debate. The round is awarded to the team that makes the most sound, persuasive presentation. Approximately 60 business, non-profit, and government professionals will serve as judges and moderators.

North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities is the statewide office of North Carolina’s 36 independent colleges and universities. NCICU represents independent higher education in the areas of state and federal public policy and on education issues with the other sectors of education in the state. It also raises funds for student scholarships and enrichment experiences, provides research and information to and about independent colleges and universities, conducts staff development opportunities and coordinates collaborative programs.