Assistant Professor of Religion and Director of International Students, Jill Awuni has been selected to serve with the world’s largest network of Baptists, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA).  For the next five years, Professor Awuni will serve on the BWA’s Theological Education, Evangelism, and Missions Commissions. 

By serving on these commissions, Professor Awuni plans to contribute to the mission and ministry of the BWA which is to “network the Baptist Family to impact the world for Christ.’”  

According to the  BWA website, “The Baptist World Alliance is a fellowship of 241 conventions and unions in 126 countries and territories comprised of 47 million baptized believers in 169,000 churches.”  

Professor Awuni, now a naturalized US citizen, was born in Ghana. She grew up in the country’s northern region in the city of Bolgatanga.  Prior to immigrating to the United States, Awuni lived and studied at the International Baptist Seminary in Prague, Czech Republic. There she earned a Bachelor of Theology degree. From Prague, Awuni landed in Boiling Springs, NC to earn a Master of Divinity and Master of Business at Gardner-Webb University. Additionally, Awuni was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Religious Education by Wayland Baptist Theological Seminary, Richmond VA.

For over fifteen years Professor Awuni has served Chowan University.  During her time she has earned the name “Mama Jill” by many alumni and students.  She earned this affectionate title not only for dishing out her good Ghanian cooking but also for pushing students to be their best selves. 

Along with Awuni’s numerous Chowan relationships, she has also cultivated many other networks in Baptist life. She has created partnerships with local congregations to support international students. Additionally, she has served on numerous boards and committees with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) of NC and CBF Global. Most recently she joined CBF’s Pan African Koinonia Steering Committee. With these numerous connections in Baptist life, Awuni hopes to “identify young leaders for the Baptist World Alliance.” 

Awuni is delighted to bring her relationships and multicultural experiences to the BWA. Having made so many significant relationships while living on three continents, Awuni says.  “I know my experiences in these diverse cultures will help bring the gospel of Christ to all people.”