The 165th commencement ceremony for Chowan University on Saturday, May 4th, 2024, was a momentous occasion. In addition to awarding degrees to 174 students, a unique honor was bestowed upon Charles “Chuck” E. Taylor. Chowan University awarded an honorary doctorate in business administration to former interim president Taylor for his exemplary service to the institution and higher education.

A pillar in North Carolina higher education for the last fifty-five years, Taylor began his career as an Instructor in Business Administration at Nash Technical Institute in 1968 and later became its Associate Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and Student Services. After serving in a similar capacity at Vance-Granville Community College, he became the Vice President for Business and Finance at Meredith College in Raleigh in 1983. He spent seventeen years there, becoming the Executive Vice President in 1996 and serving as the Interim President in 1998. In 2000, He joined Wingate University as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He retired from full-time service in 2011.

Since 2011, Taylor has held part-time or interim positions at North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities in Raleigh, Wingate University, Barton College in Wilson, and North Carolina Wesleyan University in Rocky Mount. From March 2023 to March 2024, he served as the Interim President for Chowan University, where he was presented with the Spirit of Chowan Award at the conclusion of his tenure. He has also worked as an independent consultant for Wingate, Wesleyan, and Shaw University in Raleigh.

A native of Rocky Mount, NC, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from East Carolina University. He and his wife, Carol, have been married for 55 years and have three grown daughters and five grandchildren. He has served as a deacon in four different Baptist churches and chair of deacons in three of them. He and Carol are currently members of Lakeside Baptist in Rocky Mount.

Congratulations, Dr. Charles Taylor, and thank you for all that you are and all that you have done for each and every one of us at Chowan University.