
Chowan University 2024 Spring Convocation Welcomes New Ideas and New Leadership
Chowan University held its highly anticipated 2024 University Convocation on Wednesday, January 17th, to mark the beginning of a new academic year. The event served as a platform to introduce the university’s new life skills model to current students. Additionally, the convocation provided an opportunity to present the esteemed Dr. Rosemary M. Thomas as the President-Elect of Chowan University, who will officially assume her role on March 11th, 2024.
Interim President Charles “Chuck” Taylor took the stage to present the definition of a life skills university in the words of ChatGPT.
“A life skills university is an educational institution focused
on equipping students with practical skills and knowledge
essential for navigating various aspects of life. Unlike
traditional universities that primarily emphasize academic
subjects, a life skills university places a strong emphasis on
teaching practical abilities such as communication, critical
thinking, problem-solving, financial literacy, emotional
intelligence and other skills that contribute to personal
success. The goal is to empower individuals to lead
fulfilling lives and thrive in diverse real-world situations.”
Produced by the generation software, the definition provided represents the importance of a Life Skills university in a changing world. With the insurgence of Artificial Intelligence and its integration in the day to day work environment, our students . “This point illustrates that the world is changing before your eyes, and it may not play out as you envision it,” Taylor noted. This changing world is what fuels the necessity for higher education to change to benefit the student in a way that promotes success.
As the students look towards the new Life Skills focus of the university, expanded on by Provost Dr. Danny Moore, they also had the chance to see the first look at the future of Chowan. Dr. Rosemary M. Thomas, a passionate individual with a wealth of experience, expressed her gratitude, excitement, and unwavering commitment to the university’s mission. Her passion for education and dedication to student success were evident as she addressed the audience, outlining her vision for the future of Chowan University. This time shared with the students was met with warmth and enthusiasm as the campus prepares to welcome Dr. Thomas full time to the campus in March.

“Chowan University has made a difference for 175 years,” Dr. Thomas said proudly. “It has taken different shapes, it has taken different sizes, it has taken different approaches – and dare I say, in many ways, what I hear today, what I have been reading, and what I feel is that we are just getting started.” The enthusiasm for Chowan’s pivot into providing future-proof skills for students will be one of many shapes that Chowan has taken to ensure that our future graduates will be able to enter the workforce with the strength and direction necessary to make an impact in a changing world.
The convocation also introduced the new leadership of the Board of Trustees. Austine Evans, a prominent figure in the community, was announced as the new Chair of the Board, while Cecil Hollomon was introduced as the Vice Chair. Both individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their respective roles, ensuring the university’s continued growth and success.
The event concluded with an air of warmth and enthusiasm as the campus eagerly anticipates Dr. Thomas’s full-time arrival in March. Her expertise and experience are expected to further enhance Chowan University’s commitment to providing a transformative education that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world. Chowan University’s life skills model aims to equip students with essential skills and competencies necessary for personal and professional development. This innovative approach to education will empower students to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.
As Chowan University embarks on this new chapter, the institution remains committed to providing a transformative educational experience for its students. The convocation served as a reminder of the university’s dedication to academic excellence, community engagement, and the holistic development of its students.