A wooden cross framed in nature showing through a wall of windows is the backdrop for Chowan students, playing instruments and singing praises to the God they love. Their audience, some with eyes closed, moving to the music, experiencing the spirit essential to their well being – all worshiping together. Together with faculty, board members, community leaders and administrators, no one is better than another, all equal in the eyes of God, all forming a community grateful for who they are, where they are and the freedom to worship.

Jason Fowler, Interim Minister at Chowan University preaches of God’s love. “Becoming the Interim Minister at Chowan has been the greatest blessing of my time here. With every service and every student that grows closer to God, I receive another confirmation of His calling for me to serve here at Chowan and give of myself, in order to better showcase Him to our students. As a Professor, I have always valued deepening the relationship between my students and myself, and the opportunity to lead in Ministry has taken that to an even higher level. Not only do I have the privilege of imparting knowledge and sharing truth, I also get a chance to make a real impact on their lives and their souls for the rest of their lives. Having only just begun, leading our students, our campus and our community closer to God is a responsibility I already cherish and an honor for which I will always be grateful.”

Fowler  was asked by his church in Chesapeake to quit his job at Chowan and become their full-time youth minister. He talked this over with his wife and she told him that she knew he wanted to work in this way for the Lord, but maybe this wasn’t his audience, or God’s plan for him. A week later, Dr. Thomas asked him to be part of the J team (J Brabban, Jill Awuni and Jason) and minister with Chowan’s students. He knew this is where God wanted him.

J Brabban is our Community Outreach Liaison. J’s role revolves around staying in communication with local churches and associations, to let them know Chowan is open to partnership and ready to build up our community alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ.

“I am excited about how Chowan University now states in its requirements that spiritual growth is an essential life skill. Encouraging our students to become more active in developing spiritual growth is a worthy goal, one we have always had, but now is explicitly stated.”

Dr. Jill Awuni (one of the J’s of the J Team) works with Chowan Christian Service Association as the connection to maintain and grow relationships with our students and local churches and ensure our students remain connected to the local community. 

Jason Fowler, J Brabban and Jill Awuni clearly have one more J on their team. Jesus is at the helm, clearly leading the Chowan University community in love. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”(John 13:34-35)