On Wednesday, November 9, Professor Jill Awuni was the guest proclaimer at the Chowan University Chapel service. Awuni serves as an Assistant Professor of Religion and Business Administration and Director of International Students. Many of her students affectionately call her “Mama Jill” because of her compassionate care for them. Professor Awuni a native of Bolgatanga, Ghana is now a naturalized US citizen.

Before immigrating to the United States, Awuni lived and studied at the International Baptist Seminary in Prague, Czech Republic, where 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 Administration at Gardner-Webb University. Awuni was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Religious Education by Wayland Baptist Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia.

Before Awuni came to the podium, Minister of Engagement Calvin Carter shared the song “His Eye is On the Sparrow.” Awuni echoed the words of the song and proclaimed that God will provide. She knows this truth personally and shared in her testimony how God has sustained her and her family through hard times. Her family had known a comfortable life in Ghana when she was a child. However, when her family converted to Christianity, they were cut off from their tribe and endured great suffering. Awuni credits God and her late mother, Sarah Ayia Azure Awuni for sustaining her family.   

Awuni candidly revealed that God has delivered her through many difficult days and even some reckless decisions. Throughout her remarks, her refrain was, “God is a God of second chances” She encouraged the listeners by sharing the story of Jonah, noting that Jonah was given a second chance after he disobeyed God. Awuni spoke directly to the students, acknowledging that may be in despair. She passionately shared that God is on their side and that God will provide.

Thank you Professor Awuni, for sharing your life story with the Chowan community. For more information about Chowan University Chapel, contact Minister to the University Rev. Mari Wiles at wilesm@chowan.edu.  

Professor Awuni is wearing a traditional dress from Ghana that memorializes her late mother, Sarah Ayia Azure Awuni, who passed away earlier this year.