Dr. Thomas was formally invested as the 24th and first female President of Chowan University at 2:22 on Friday, October 18, 2024 by Mrs. Austine Evans, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “This investiture serves as a formal and public trust from all those who hold Chowan close to their hearts. It is the commitment on your part to serve, to lead with integrity, and to guide this institution forward in growth, in academic excellence and a steadfast commitment to our mission. With this investiture you are entrusted with the responsibility to champion our values, to embody our dedication to student success and to uphold the traditions that make Chowan University unique.” 

Dr. Thomas is well qualified for Chowan University’s presidential position. She has extensive leadership experience with the last serving as Executive Vice President, Acting Director of Athletics and Vice President for Enrollment through a 12 year time period at Davis & Elkins College. Thomas is devoted to volunteer work and has shared her skills in numerous capacities, most recently as Director of Rhododendron Girls State, WV Department of The National American Legion Auxiliary Citizenship and Leadership Program. She earned her Doctorate of Education at West Virginia University with post doctoral studies at Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

Most importantly, Dr. Rosemary Thomas is a visionary, faith based leader. Friday was a day of prayer, a day of celebration and a day of joy, beginning with a morning church service held in the Chowan Chapel, thanking God for grace and His gift of Dr. Thomas. Dr. Chris Wood, President of Davis & Elkins College and a mentor of Dr. Thomas, reminded those attending that leaders within the Christian faith are servants and are “touched and called by God’s Spirit.” 

Carol Taylor quoted Jeremiah 29: 11-14 (International Version) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.” Taylor reminded the congregation that they should reflect on answered prayers that have come their way and remember that God is at work in their lives, “always answering, always guiding, always finding solutions.” 

A blue band with “Plans to Prosper” can be seen on the wrists of the entire Chowan community, a gift from Dr. Rosemary M. Thomas on her inauguration day. “I invite you to wear this wristband knowing you are in an institution that is in Christ and plans to prosper.” 

Dr. Rosemary Thomas is an answer and solution to Chowan’s prayers as she makes plans for Chowan University to prosper. Dr. Gary A. Ransdell, President Emeritus, Western Kentucky University, said “Rosemary, this job, right now, right here has been your destiny, your professional goal, your lifetime ambition. You’ve worked hard to get here, you’ve earned it and Chowan University will be the beneficiary of that work, those life lessons and of your story. I know you will lead well. I know Chowan will grow and prosper.” He continued to share with the audience his knowledge of Dr. Thomas’s ability to inspire those around her to achieve goals that stir people and stretch their abilities. Chowan University is seeing this on a daily basis. 

Chowan is prospering! Dr. Thomas spoke of her plans to prosper taking shape more than six months ago as she realized the commitment found across the campus and throughout Murfreesboro. The plans grew as the Board of Trustees, faculty and Chowan’s leadership team moved forward with the pivotal curriculum and schedule change focusing on life skills. The plans continued to grow with the enhancement of religious life and campus ministry. The plans grew even more as a generous donor stepped forward to engage an architectural firm to help develop a master plan for Chowan University for this time and place.

Dr. Thomas asked, “Is it a master plan, or is it our Master’s plan for us? Our master plan is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about changing the look, feel, and future of this campus with attention given to facility usage, branding efforts, engagement levels and community building. All of which are as important as can be at a time such as this. In any event, just last week we had a challenge presented to us. A challenge to raise $50,000 to launch this masterplan. Warren Chauncey initiated and asked others to join him. Thanks to board members, friends and campus leaders, we have reached $70,000 as of this moment.” 

One donor said it this way, “We need to get behind this so people know our future is bright and we plan to prosper. That certainly has a nice ring to it, ‘plans to prosper’ and this is only the beginning.