On November 15, 2022, the Office of Academic Affairs hosted the twelfth annual celebration of faculty scholarship and engagement in Vaughan Auditorium of Marks Hall. Provost Moore and Associate Provost Dr. DiLustro headed up the ceremony, announcing several awards. 

Dr. Danny Moore congratulated recipients and finalists of the awards, offering thanks for their contributions to the institution. In addition, Dr. Moore claimed that faculty and staff efforts affirm the University mission, equipping undergraduate and graduate students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values necessary to flourish in a culturally diverse, global society. 

The finalists and recipients of the awards are as follows:

Staff Awards of Excellence:
Sarah Alt, Assistant to Registrar – Community Engagement 
Theresa Dilustro, Writing Center Director – Job Performance
Jonathon D’Souza, Instructional Designer – Campus Interaction 

Faculty Mentoring Award: 
Dr. Lia Walker, Assistant Professor of Biology 

Finalists:
Dr. Mary Hellman, Professor of Music, Chair, Department of Music
Dr. Jennifer Place, Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences; Professor of Psychology
Dr. Edward Snyder, Associate Professor of History; Chair, Department of History and Religion
Dr. Brenda Tinkham, Associate Provost for External Relations; Dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies

McDowell Columns Scholar Prize:
Dr. James Dame, Professor of Biology & Physical Science 
Dr. Heather McGuire, Distinguished Professor of Biology, Chair, Department of Biology 

Finalists:
Dr. David Ballew, Associate Professor of History; Coordinator for Chowan Tutoring
Dr. Christopher Cook, Associate Professor of Music
Dr. Torrence Gill, Assistant Professor of Biology

Faculty Student Engagement Award: 
Dr. W. Thomas Collins, Professor of Sport Management, Chair, Department of Sport Science 

Finalists: 
Jill Awuni, Assistant Professor of Religion and Business Administration; Director of International Students
Jason Fowler, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design
Catherine Vickers, Instructor of English
Dr. Pamela Woodward, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Chair, Department of Criminal Justice 

Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award:
Christopher T. Langston, Sociology 

Finalists: 
Dr. Joe Edenfield, Accounting
Pudden Gorlesky, Health
J. Ronald Johnson, Music
Noel Mitchell, English 

Faculty Community Service Award: 
Dr. Michelle Surerus, Professor of Graphic Communications, Director of Chowan Fellows

Finalists: 
Dr. Phillip Entzminger, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice 
Steve Harders, Professor of Communication and Drama
Dr. Benjamin Thorburn, Associate Professor of Music
Shannon Williams, Associate Professor of Accounting

Faculty Advisor of the Year Award: 
Dr. Hunter Taylor, Dean of the School of Business, Associate Professor of Business 

Finalists: 
Dr. Shirley Alt, Associate Professor of Psychology 
Dr. Tomica Crosby, Assistant Professor of Education 
Dr. Mary Earp, Assistant Professor of Education
Dr. Tim Hayes, Associate Professor of English, Chair, Department of English 

Chowan University would like to reinforce the message from Provost Danny Moore that the commitment of faculty and staff harbors an environment for success for our students. Congratulations to all recipients and finalists, and thank you for your contributions to Chowan University.