On Tuesday, April 2, Mary Jo Thomas, the mother of President Thomas, along with family and friends, announced the establishment of a scholarship in honor of Dr. Rosemary M. Thomas. This scholarship, a testament to President Thomas’ groundbreaking tenure as the first female President in Chowan University’s history, aims to support young women in their pursuit of higher education.

The newly established scholarship will provide financial assistance to deserving female students who are dedicated to furthering their education at Chowan University. By offering this opportunity, Mary Jo Thomas and supporters hope to empower and inspire young women to overcome barriers and achieve their academic goals. By investing in the education of young women, this scholarship will transform individual lives. 

“My brother and I were both scholarship recipients,” Thomas shared. “We think that it’s very important to pay things forward. Someone did that for us – we appreciate it greatly, and hope to be able to do that with this scholarship.”

Chowan University, originally opening as a women’s college in 1848, has a long-standing tradition of providing quality education and fostering a supportive community. With the establishment of this scholarship, the university further demonstrates its dedication to creating an inclusive and empowering environment for all students.