On Wednesday, August 28 in the parlor of the Camp President’s Home at Chowan University, Dr. Julian R Mills Sr. of Roanoke Rapids, NC officially signed the paperwork that completes his fifth endowed scholarship for Chowan University. The esteemed 1959 Chowan graduate continues to maintain his legacy of ministry and generosity by way of this most recent music scholarship.  

Dr. Mills embodies the ideals of ministry and generosity as virtues that govern his life. In the United States Air Force, Mills’s occupation was in public relations, specifically journalism. However, his life’s work was rooted in ministry. Between his shifts and assignments, Mills pastored and planted churches, staying obedient to the Christian call. His current project revolves around a Roanoke Rapids trailer park community. This low-income housing has high expectations from its tenants. Mills expects dwellers to abide by the many community rules and regulations in the hopes that by holding tenants to higher behavioral standards, the living and community experiences are elevated as well. 

Since 2002, Dr. Mills and his wife Mary have unselfishly given to Chowan University. The couple began their philanthropy by assisting the Halifax Community Center Baptist Church, paying off their remaining balance to ensure that their scholarship reached endowment. To honor the passing of their late son, Julian R Mills Jr., Dr. and Mrs. Mills funded one of the first Chowan Christian Service Association (CCSA) scholarships for Chowan students. They continued their generous support by endowing two more CCSA scholarships in honor of sons Stevens R Mills and Jonathan D Mills. This latest donation, in honor of their daughter Marsha Jernigan, marks Dr. Julian R Mills Sr.’s fifth endowed Chowan University scholarship. This institution is eternally grateful for Dr. and Mrs. Mills and their fervent dedication to lives invested in Christian ministry and Chowan University’s students. 

Pictured (from left to right): Rachel Peterson, Mary Mills, Dr. Julian R. Mills, and President Dr. Kirk E. Peterson on signing day in the Camp President’s Home.