A historic Campus.

Chowan University is a Christian educational institution founded in 1848 by Baptist families and named Chowan – which means “people of the south” – to honor the Native American Algonquin Chowanook tribe. For over 170 years, Chowan has enjoyed a long and distinguished tradition of faith and education in Northeastern NC.

History

Chowan University at Murfreesboro is located near the birthplace of American civilization and the beginning area of Baptist work in North Carolina. In the spring of 1848, a group of fathers gathered at the home of Dr. Godwin Cotton Moore, moderator of the Chowan Baptist Association. These men were determined to have an institution that would give their daughters a well-rounded education, and they presented a resolution to the Association. The Association appointed the first trustees for the “female high school” to be called Chowan Female Institute. Dr. Archibald McDowell of South Carolina was elected first principal, and the Institute opened on October 11, 1848 with eleven students. Thus began the institution that has had major impact on the lives of thousands of persons over more than 170 years.

The institution overcame gloomy prospects in its early years to survive the challenges of the Civil War years. During 1897-1914 the Institute was transformed into a standard Senior College. It was renamed Chowan College in 1910, admitted male students in 1931. Due to financial pressures, the College changed from four-year to two-year status in 1937. The World War II years saw the closure of Chowan College. After being closed six years Chowan College reopened in 1949 as a two-year coeducational institution.

In 1992 Chowan College returned to four-year status and has now developed a solid reputation for academic quality and leadership in the cultural and religious life of eastern North Carolina and Virginia. In September 2006 the name of the institution was changed to Chowan University. Historically the University has played a significant role in Graphic Communication and the arts. As a university, a strong reputation has been built in areas such as the preparation of teachers, biologists and historians. In 2010 the university began offering a Master of Education degree in elementary education.

Although there have been many changes over the years, Chowan University remains closely related to the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. The University holds in high esteem its commitment to intellectual, social, and spiritual growth. The administration and faculty believe in and insist upon intellectual freedom, while continuing the commitment to Christian principles.

Location

Chowan University is located in the historic and picturesque town of Murfreesboro, North Carolina. Located in the old Albemarle region of North Carolina, between the Roanoke and Chowan Rivers, the Murfreesboro area was first visited by John White of Roanoke Island in the 16^th century and by an expedition from Jamestown, Virginia in the 17^th century. During this era, the principal inhabitants were several Indian tribes such as the Nottoways, Meherrins, and the Chowanokes.

Old deeds indicate that settlers lived on the site of Murfreesboro as early as 1710. William Murfree, an Irish immigrant, established a King’s Landing where exports and imports were inspected by a representative of the English Crown. The site was known as Murfree’s Landing. In 1787 William Murfree donated 97 acres of land for the incorporation of the town, which was named for him.

Murfreesboro was the port of call for the 18^th and early 19^th century sailing vessels that brought New England, West Indian, and European goods in trade for the naval stores and agricultural products of eastern North Carolina.

Today, the stately old homes whisper of rich, romantic colonial and antebellum days. In historic Murfreesboro is the boyhood home of Dr. Walter Reed, discoverer of the cure for yellow fever. There are extensive museums of America’s past, one of which is devoted to the inventions of Richard Jordan Gatling, inventor of the Gatling Gun, who was born near Murfreesboro.

The quaint village is currently undergoing an extensive restoration program. Hundreds of citizens and friends are working together to re-capture the flavor of a culturally minded colonial town. Students are encouraged to be part of these activities.

Chowan University is easily accessible; being located less than 30 miles from I-95, one and one-half hour drive from the Outer Banks, North Carolina and Norfolk, Virginia. Less than an hour from campus are many recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, hunting and bicycling. Chowan University enjoys the lifestyle of a relatively small institution in a small town but yet has the advantage of being centrally located to urban resources and recreation.

Favored Traditions

Alumni Walk

Since the early 90s, the Alumni Walk has led up to the Gazebo which is located beside the historic Columns Building. The Alumni Walk is a special place that showcases graduates from each graduating class. When students graduate, they will get a brick with their name on it that will be a part of the Alumni Walk forever. When alumni come back to campus for a visit, their first stop is always the Alumni Walk to see their brick.

Ringing of the Bell

Located on the west side of the McDowell Columns Building in the gazebo is the Chowan University bell. The bell dates back to the 1800s. “The bell swung from two stone pillars until 1880, when it was placed in the Bell Tower, a favorite meeting place for students. The bell was used to change classes, call students to chapel, and celebrate athletic victories.” (Frank Stephenson, Chowan College, 2004)

The tradition of the bell today is to establish a sense of community that begins in the first year and lasts beyond the confines of the four-year university experience. Each September, following University Convocation, faculty in full regalia and first-year students proceed to the gazebo. With faculty lined up on both sides of the brick alumni walk leading to the gazebo, first-year students ring the bell to signify the beginning of their academic studies at Chowan.

The ringing of the bell is repeated again in April of each year. At the close of the Senior Banquet, the faculty and candidates for graduation recess from Thomas Dining Hall to the gazebo. With faculty lined up on both sides of the alumni walk once again, each candidate rings the bell one last time to signify the end of his or her academic studies at Chowan.

traditions

There are a number of traditions celebrated at Chowan University, some are once-a-year activities and others happen throughout the year. Each new academic year begins with a campus-wide worship service to dedicate the year to the Christian values of the university. Academic and Founders’ Day Convocation is a gathering of students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the beginning of the academic year and to reflect on Chowan’s past, present, and future. During the Fall Semester, the greatest tradition is Homecoming that includes a talent show, casino night, a semi-formal dance where the homecoming court is announced, a pep rally and bonfire, a parade and of course the annual Homecoming football game.

The story of the Chowan ghost known as the Brown Lady begins around the time of the Civil War. The woman who was a student at the time was engaged to a man who died in battle. When she received the news she either died of a broken heart or jumped to her death. In another version, the Brown Lady hails from an aristocratic farm family in Northampton County. During her sophomore year, she died of fever. Her taste in clothes ran to the earth tones, hence her name. She appears on campus, usually around Halloween, the date of her death, to test the spirit of loyalty of the students and to see if they have fallen away from the lofty ideals of Chowan. To remember her spirit, Chowan holds a Brown Lady Academic Bowl in her honor. The campus creative writing magazine is titled The Brown Lady.

Harvest Fest is an annual event hosted by the Student Government Association in collaboration with over twenty-five student clubs and organizations. Chowan students set up booths with activities, food, and candy for local children to enjoy. This safe alternative to trick-or-treating is free to the public. Not only does it offer children a safe, fun time, it also allows them to experience a small taste of college life and interact with current students.

As the university moves into the Spring Semester, attention turns increasingly toward graduation. Still, there are a number of traditional activities that take place prior to commencement. With the close of the semester, student life hosts a Hawks Fest Week. The annual Awards Day Convocation brings together students, faculty, and staff to reaffirm the major purpose of a university—to foster academic excellence—and to honor the achievements of the Chowan University students and faculty. A faculty member serves as the keynote speaker. On the last evening of classes, the Senior Banquet honors graduating students. Following the banquet, the candidates for graduation file in line to dawn the Alumni Walk to ring the bell to signify the end of their academic career at Chowan.

Another tradition at Chowan is the Senior Rock. Located just behind Penny Hall, the Senior Rock was requested by the Class of 2003. Officially, members of the senior class have the right to decorate it.

MCDOWELL
COLUMNS

Erected in 1851, is an imposing brick and concrete structure, with eight massive columns and broad veranda, characteristic of the old South. Now listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, the building was named McDowell Columns in 1968 to honor and memorialize Dr. Archibald McDowell, President, 1848-1849, 1862-81, and his daughter Dr. Eunice McDowell, class of 1876. In 2008 the exterior of the building was renovated with beautiful landscaping planted. Today the building contains most administrative offices (president, provost, business office, admissions and financial aid) and the campus bookstore. Turner Auditorium, which seats 650 is part of the complex and is the favored site of concerts and lectures. It is named in memory of the Reverend John Clyde Turner (1878-1974).

The blue and white

Students in the spring 2022 HON 114 – Honors First-Year Experience class researched, compiled, and created The Blue and White: Chowan’s Traditions Book.