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MURFREESBORO, NC — Â鶹ÊÓƵ recently gathered to celebrate the dedication, resilience, and hard work of its faculty and staff during the annual Employee Appreciation and Recognition Day. The event was filled with heartfelt reflections, special recognitions, and expressions of gratitude that underscored the university’s vibrant community spirit.

The program opened with a prayer led by Jason Fowler, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve students and honor God through their work.

President Dr. Rosemary Thomas addressed the faculty and staff, celebrating their dedication and unity. She drew inspiration from Advice from a Hawk, a plaque she received at her inauguration, encouraging the community to embrace its strengths, strive for excellence, and continue rising above challenges. Dr. Thomas emphasized that the values exemplified daily by Chowan’s faculty and staff are the same values imparted to students.

Referencing Jim Collins’ Good to Great, Dr. Thomas highlighted the importance of thoughtful leadership and purposeful action, acknowledging how the university has moved forward with determination and optimism. She commended the faculty and staff for their resilience and unwavering commitment, noting that even during times of change, they have ensured Chowan’s high standards remain strong. She also praised the growing engagement of students, crediting the faculty and staff for cultivating an environment rooted in care, consistency, and high expectations. Dr. Thomas closed by expressing her deep gratitude and confidence in the university’s bright future.

Associate Vice President for Human Resources Elizabeth Hedrick also addressed the audience, sharing her appreciation for the community’s supportive spirit and expressing how fortunate she feels to work alongside colleagues who not only excel professionally but also genuinely care for one another.

The celebration continued with the presentation of service awards, recognizing employees for their years of dedicated service:

Five Years of Service

• Samantha Chappell
  
• Andrea Flowers
  
• Torrence Gill, Ph.D.
  

Ten Years of Service

• Ella Benson, Ph.D.
  
• Ashley Gustafson
  
• Mary Hellmann, Ph.D.
  
• Hunter Taylor, Ph.D.
  

Fifteen Years of Service

• Shellee Fairless
  
• Kyle Johnson
  
• Kay Thomas
  

Twenty Years of Service

• Derek Burke
  
• John Dilustro, Ph.D.
  
• Jennifer Newton
  

Forty-Five Years of Service

• Charles Futrell
  

Special recognition awards were also presented. McDowell Columns Scholar Prizes were awarded to Dr. Mary Hellmann and Dr. Kyung-Hoon Lee. Dr. Brenda Tinkham received the Faculty Community Service Award, and Dr. Douglas Lange was recognized for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching.

The university also honored its retirees: Dr. Shirley Alt, Dr. William Collins, and Catherine Vickers.

The highlight of the celebration was the announcement of the Employee of the Year, awarded to Ruth Casper for her outstanding dedication and service.