Edith (Edie) Vick Farris received the 19th Annual North Carolina Baptist Heritage Award in recognition of her exemplary giving and service to organizations associated with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.

Edie is an enthusiastic champion of Chowan University and its mission, endowing multiple scholarships and supporting various renovations and landscaping projects. She has served as a member of both the Board of Trustees and Board of Visitors at Chowan University. Most notably, she is the mind responsible for the Farris Prayer Room, a quiet space for students to explore their faith and further their relationship with God. With a divine calling to create and fund the project, Edie hopes that it will become a place that quiets the noise of contemporary life so that the voice of the Spirit can be heard.

“I could not manage without my faith,” says Edie. “It is the most important part of my life. The Lord has been so good to me.”

Edie grew up on a farm in Kelford, NC and was raised in the local Baptist church. From pianist to choir member to Sunday School teacher and beyond, Edie has always been an active part of her church community, no matter where that community was located. She remembers her time at Sandy Run Baptist Church with particular fondness. Edie attended Chowan University’s (then Chowan College) one-year business program, later continuing her education through George Washington University for a Bachelor’s of Science in Administration. Professionally, Edie has also given her time to her country, serving in various federal agencies throughout her career. She has worked for the US Army; the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; the Office of Wage and Price Stability; and even the CIA.

Sponsored by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and North Carolina Baptist Foundation, the 19th annual North Carolina Baptist Heritage Awards were presented April 9, 2019 at the Grandover Resort & Conference Center in Greensboro, NC.

Please join Chowan University in congratulating Edith Vick Farris on receiving this prestigious award.