Chowan University proudly announces the addition of a significant historical portrait to the Wayland Jenkins Fine Arts Center, honoring Olevia Frances Benthall Jenkins (1863–1967). The portrait, commemorating her 100th birthday, was generously donated by her great-grandsons, Dr. William H. Marsh and Dr. Stephen S. Marsh, ensuring her enduring legacy remains a part of Chowan’s rich […]
Chowan University is pleased to announce that Stephanie Powell Watts is the recipient of the 2025 Mary Frances Hobson Prize for Distinguished Achievement in Arts and Letters. Ms. Powell Watts’ stories explore the lives of African Americans in fast food and factory jobs, working door to door as Jehovah’s Witness ministers, and pressing against the […]
In the beauty of a newly renovated Vaughan Auditorium, Chowan University gathered to celebrate its most distinguished students during the annual Outstanding Student Award Ceremony. This award is the highest honor the university bestows. The evening began with a heartfelt prayer by Abbie Sutton, setting a tone of gratitude and pride for all who would […]
The Chapel at Chowan University was filled with enthusiasm, heartfelt exchanges, and warm embraces as the Rouson family gathered for the annual Reverend George T. and Luvenia B. Rouson Memorial Lecture. Some traveled from outside North Carolina—including a father and son from Atlanta—making the event a true family reunion. The congregation overflowed, with many standing […]
HARRISBURG, P.A. – Dennis Helsel, former Chowan University Vice President for Athletics, passed away on January 16th, 2025 at the tender age of 77. In his passing he was surrounded by those who loved him the most and whom he loved the most. Dennis lived a full, vibrant, and loud life. It was a life […]
Chowan University is honored to welcome Tshombe Selby, an acclaimed operatic tenor, for a special performance as part of the Juanita Pond Chamber Series on Sunday, February 16, at 3:00 PM in the Chowan Chapel. This free and open-to-the-public event promises an unforgettable afternoon of world-class vocal artistry, featuring well-known opera arias and cherished traditional […]
A mother working nights, a father working days, five siblings, and the occasional older sister with her husband and children living under the same roof—it was a full house, often filled with chaos. Yet, through it all, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Heller was homeschooled. Her older sister taught her to read and write, laying the foundation for […]
It is a great honor to be a “first” in accomplishing a meaningful endeavor. Dr. Gladys DeJesus was the first woman in her country, the Dominican Republic, to earn a Ph.D. in Economics. She graduated as valedictorian and summa cum laude from the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and later […]
Chowan University is pleased to welcome three new members to our community. Employees whose first priority is students are a valuable addition to the Chowan family, and Heather Morton, Kaleigh Lance, and Arthur Sutton all share a passion for working with and supporting students. Heather Morton – Enrollment Advisor, Admissions Heather Morton joined Chowan University […]
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, […]