Elizabeth Hedrick joins the Chowan University staff as Director of Human Resources. In this role, she reports directly to the President and oversees the Human Resources Department. 

A native of Virginia Beach, VA, Hedrick has over fifteen years of experience in Human Resources in the corporate sector. “I am delighted to have Elizabeth join Chowan University as our HR Director,” shared Kirk E. Peterson, President. “Her extensive knowledge of human resources and specialization in process improvements and mindset of people-first organizations, providing exceptional customer service will continue to help build the department and advocate for our employees.”

Hedrick graduated from Western Carolina University with a bachelor of science in business administration with a law concentration, holds the SHRM-CP human resources designation, and is a candidate for the SPHR certification.  She serves as a member at large for Gates County on the Albemarle Commission Board of Delegates and the Gates County Planning and Zoning Board. In 2022 she was awarded for having one of the top workplaces in Hampton Roads 2021-2022; only 45 businesses were selected for the award.  

Before Chowan, Hedrick was employed with WHLR Real Estate Investment Trust as the Vice President of Human Resources and Administration, where she oversaw all of the human resources and the backend of the business operations, including information technology, safety, legal, administration, and operations.  During her tenure, she built the human resources role and department from the ground up, as they only had a human resources function after she joined the company.   

“After working in HR in the corporate world for over 15 years,” shared Hedrick, “I was looking for more of a community and organization that values employees and people, and that was how I landed at Chowan.”

A current resident of Gates County, she and her husband, Austin, have three boys. Her hobbies include tending to her animals on her “hobby farm,” reading, gardening, entertaining and event planning, traveling and creating charcuterie boards. 

Please join Chowan University in welcoming Elizabeth as Human Resources Director.