Chowan University is excited to announce the establishment of the Student Leadership Board, a transformative initiative aimed at further enhancing the university’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals equipped with essential life skills. Beginning in the fall of 2024, the Student Leadership Board will replace the former Student Government Association, ushering in a new era of student representation and engagement.

Under the new structure, the Student Leadership Board will consist of representatives from various areas on campus, including social, service, academic, and leadership clubs and organizations, Greek life, campus ministry, honor societies, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and residence life. This diverse group of student leaders will work collaboratively to foster a vibrant and inclusive campus community. The Board will elect a Board Director, Assistant Director, and Secretary, who will preside over meetings and collaborate closely with the Coordinator of Student Life to advance the mission of the Student Leadership Board.

The primary mission of the Student Leadership Board is to strengthen the leadership skills of the student body, both individually and organizationally. By providing a platform for students to voice their opinions, concerns, and knowledge, the Board will serve as a vital conduit between the student body and the university administration. Through their active involvement in their respective organizations, the Board members will engage the student body holistically, ensuring that their needs and aspirations are heard and addressed. 

“We are thrilled to introduce the Student Leadership Board as a dynamic and inclusive platform for student engagement and leadership development,” said Taylor Furlough, Coordinator of Student Life.  “This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of empowering students to become effective leaders and change-makers in their communities. By involving representatives from various areas of campus life, we aim to create a truly representative and student-centered leadership structure.”

The Student Leadership Board will provide numerous opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills, including organizing campus-wide events, implementing community service projects, and collaborating with faculty and staff on initiatives that enhance the overall student experience. Through these experiences, students will gain valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, which will undoubtedly benefit them in their future endeavors. This is also a component of the university’s new co-curricular life skills model. 

“I believe this new plan for the former Student Government Association (SGA) tackles many of the concerns I have had since my sophomore year when I became senator of campus programming,” shared Trevon Abraham ‘25, 2023-2024 SGA President. “Since COVID, we have been trying to figure out ways to get students more involved. With this structure of pulling students from all the areas of campus into a delegation, I am confident the ideals and values that SGA has worked to uphold will continue to be represented at Chowan.”

Chowan University is excited to embark on this new chapter in student leadership and engagement. The establishment of the Student Leadership Board underscores the university’s commitment to educating the whole student and its focus on developing life skills. As the fall of 2024 approaches, Chowan eagerly anticipates the positive impact the Student Leadership Board will have on the student body and the university as a whole.