Chowan University is proud to announce the following promotions:

Ella Benson was promoted from Associate Professor to Professor of Education and granted tenure. She is originally from Chesapeake, VA and received her EdD from the University of Virginia. Benson is the Dean of the School of Education.

Jennifer Newhouse was promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of Creative Writing and granted tenure. She is originally from Gloucester, VA and received her MFA from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Newhouse currently serves as Chair for the Department of English.

Amy Wethington was promoted from Associate Professor to Professor of Biology. She is originally from Spartanburg, SC and received her PhD from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Wethington also currently serves as a Research Associate at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Seok Yoon was promoted from Associate Professor to Professor of Exercise Science. He is originally from Seoul, South Korea and received his PhD from The Ohio State University.

Four employees were granted emeritus status. Emeritus status is an honor bestowed by the university upon retired individuals to celebrate a distinguished career. The recipients are:

Gladys DeJesus, Distinguished Professor of Economics. DeJesus taught economics for 25 years at Chowan, having previously served 3 years as main international trade representative for the Dominican Republic. She was also the first woman from the Dominican Republic to earn a PhD in economics.

Randy Harrell, Vice President for Student Affairs and Honorary Professor. Harrell retired from the position in March after 19 years of service, during which he earned the Spirit of Chowan Award. The award honors extraordinary individuals who so embody the heart and soul of the university that they warrant recognition by the university community.

John Hinton, Vice President for Human Resources. Hinton faithfully served the university with distinction for 21 years in multiple positions. His most recent title was Vice President of Human Resources and Special Assistant to the President.

Paula Pressnell, Instructor in Music. Pressnell first joined the Chowan University staff in 1999 as a part-time Piano Accompanist before accepting the full-time position of Artist in Residence and Staff Accompanist in 2005. She continues to volunteer her considerable talents on campus, at church, and throughout the community.

Please join us in celebrating these achievements.