Chowan University is pleased to announce the recent appointments of Dr. John Dilustro as Provost and Dr. Hunter Taylor as Associate Provost. Together with President Dr. Rosemary Thomas, these academic leaders are guiding the university into a new era with a vision focused on student success—developing strong communication skills, spiritual growth, problem-solving abilities, financial responsibility, confidence, and professionalism to prepare for life beyond college.

Dr. John Dilustro – Provost

As Provost, Dr. Dilustro serves as Chowan University’s Chief Academic Officer, overseeing academic policies, program reviews, and assessment. He is also the university’s Accreditation Liaison, ensuring continued accreditation with SACSCOC, and serves as Title IX Coordinator. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, he remains actively engaged in teaching and mentoring students.

Dr. Dilustro earned his Ph.D. in Ecological Sciences and M.S. in Biology from Old Dominion University and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Georgia.

A defining moment in his career was being selected as a Fellow in the Senior Leadership Academy (SLA), co-sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI)—a prestigious program preparing leaders for senior positions in higher education. At the time of his fellowship, Dr. Dilustro served as Associate Provost, a role many participants leave for higher positions at new institutions. However, his commitment to Chowan remained steadfast.

Reflecting on his decision to stay, he shared:

“I love this institution; I love the faculty. My goal is to help maintain Chowan’s history of academic excellence. Higher education is evolving rapidly, and it takes dedication to keep a university relevant and successful. Hunter and I are working closely to ensure Chowan’s continued success. We complement each other well, and I have a great deal of respect for him as an academic leader.”

Dr. Hunter Taylor – Associate Provost

As Associate Provost and Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Hunter Taylor plays a crucial role in faculty support, academic scheduling, and student success initiatives.

He earned his Doctorate of Business Administration from Liberty University and an MBA from East Carolina University. One of his most notable contributions has been overseeing Chowan’s new seven-week curriculum model, in which students take two classes at a time, four days a week for seven weeks. This innovative approach has resulted in a 91% passage rate—a record high for the university in recent history.

Dr. Taylor spoke highly of his colleague, saying:

“John has an incredible ability to diagnose issues and find solutions. His depth of knowledge is unmatched. I can’t say enough good things about him—he’s the right choice for Provost, and I’m grateful to work alongside him.”

Leadership Recognized by President Dr. Rosemary Thomas

President Dr. Rosemary Thomas commended both Dr. Dilustro and Dr. Taylor, stating:

“These two long-time Chowan team members bring exceptional leadership and vision to their new roles. Their deep knowledge of the institution, unwavering passion for our mission, and collaborative spirit are invaluable assets as we work together to shape the future of Chowan University.”

Both leaders share Dr. Thomas’s vision for Chowan’s future and remain committed to providing students with a transformative educational experience that prepares them for lifelong success.