MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Under clear blue skies and beautiful spring weather, �鶹��Ƶ celebrated the Class of 2026 during its 167th Commencement Ceremony on May 9, 2026, at the Hawks Athletic Center.

Family members, friends, faculty, staff, trustees, and supporters gathered to honor 135 members of the Class of 2026 as they marked the culmination of years of academic achievement, personal growth, and perseverance.

�鶹��Ƶ President Dr. Rosemary Thomas congratulated the graduates and reflected on the journeys that brought them to Commencement Day.

“It is a day to celebrate the accomplishments of you and your classmates,” Thomas said. “The road to this day has not always been one without interruptions, surprises, twists, and turns, but you made it.”

Thomas challenged graduates to carry forward the lessons they learned at Chowan and use them to make a positive impact in their communities and professions.

“Chowan did not teach you what to think, but rather how to think,” she said. “We are counting on you to be thoughtful, grounded individuals who are wise as they take their turn to shape this world.”

The ceremony celebrated students who distinguished themselves through academic excellence, leadership, service, athletics, faith, research, and artistic achievement. Graduates were recognized not only for earning their degrees but also for the contributions they made to campus life and the broader Chowan community.

They heard reflections from fellow graduates Gabriel Espiritu, Genesis Joyner, Destiny Makanjoula, Gracie Ross, and Darryl Swinson, who shared personal stories of growth, perseverance, faith, friendship, and achievement. Through their experiences, the student speakers encouraged classmates to pursue their goals with confidence, purpose, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

�鶹��Ƶ also recognized excellence among its faculty as Dr. Mary Mitchell received the 2025-26 Excellence in Teaching Award, one of the University’s highest honors for teaching and student engagement.

Selected by fellow faculty members, the award recognizes dedication to students, effectiveness in the classroom, continued professional growth, service to the University, and positive relationships with colleagues and students. Dr. Mitchell, who joined the Chowan faculty in 2022, was recognized for exemplifying these qualities and for her commitment to student success.

Dr. Antenette D. Stokes ’11, Chair of the �鶹��Ƶ Board of Visitors, challenged graduates to move forward with courage, purpose, and integrity.

“You earned resilience. You earned perspective. You earned the ability to navigate hard conversations, uncertain moments, and evolving spaces with strength and clarity,” Stokes said. “That is the real power of your education.”

As the Class of 2026 turned their tassels and celebrated this milestone achievement, they prepared to begin new chapters in careers, graduate programs, ministry, military service, and communities across the country.

“Life is good, and it is about to take 135 different directions for this group,” Thomas said. “The future is bright because of your commitment to the values of faith, inclusion, imagination, and engagement.”

The 167th Commencement Ceremony served as a celebration of achievement, resilience, and possibility as �鶹��Ƶ sent forth another class prepared to lead lives of purpose, faith, and impact.

You can view the live stream and photos at

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�鶹��Ƶ proudly celebrates President Dr. Rosemary M. Thomas for being recognized as the 2026 University President of the Year by *Education Insider Magazine*, honoring her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to student success, Christian higher education, and institutional growth.

Featured in the publication’s national leadership spotlight, Dr. Thomas was recognized for her dedication to preparing students not only for careers, but for meaningful lives grounded in faith, leadership, service, and purpose.

Since becoming president of �鶹��Ƶ, Dr. Thomas has championed a student-centered approach focused on academic innovation, spiritual development, and personal growth. Under her leadership, the University has continued strengthening enrollment initiatives, expanding student support services, investing in campus improvements, and advancing Chowan’s mission as a Christian liberal arts institution.

“�鶹��Ƶ is more than a place of learning — it is a community built on relationships, faith, and opportunity,” said Dr. Thomas. “Everything we do is centered around helping students discover their purpose and preparing them to make a positive impact in their communities and professions.”

The *Education Insider Magazine* feature highlights Dr. Thomas’ belief that higher education should focus on developing the whole person. Her leadership continues to shape initiatives that emphasize experiential learning, servant leadership, career readiness, and life skills development while preserving the close-knit culture that defines �鶹��Ƶ.

Throughout her tenure, Dr. Thomas has remained committed to ensuring students feel supported both inside and outside the classroom. Her leadership has strengthened partnerships across the region, expanded opportunities for students, and reinforced Chowan’s reputation for fostering personal connections and transformational educational experiences.

Members of the Chowan community celebrated the recognition as a reflection of both Dr. Thomas’ leadership and the collective work of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters who continue advancing the University’s mission together.

Founded in 1848, �鶹��Ƶ has maintained a longstanding tradition of faith, education, and service in northeastern North Carolina for more than 175 years. Today, the University continues preparing students to lead lives of purpose while building a strong future rooted in Christian values and academic excellence.

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�鶹��Ƶ is proud to announce the appointment of Harri Lovett as Interim Vice President of Advancement, bringing with him a deep commitment to the University and a passion for strengthening relationships across the Chowan community.

Originally from Wrexham, Wales, Lovett was first drawn to �鶹��Ƶ through his passion for soccer. During his time as a student-athlete, he became an integral member of the Chowan Men’s Soccer program as a 3-year captain. A five-time All-American, Lovett helped lead the Hawks to two conference championships while building a strong connection to the University and its mission.

While earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business and later a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Chowan, Lovett completed several internships within the University’s Office of Development before transitioning full-time into advancement and community engagement leadership roles. His experience in alumni relations, donor engagement, and fundraising reflects a strong understanding of Chowan’s mission and the importance of building meaningful relationships that support the University’s future.

“Harri’s dedication to �鶹��Ƶ and his passion for building meaningful relationships make him an outstanding fit for this role,” said �鶹��Ƶ President Dr. Rosemary Thomas. “He understands the importance of fostering connections that strengthen the University and support our students, faculty, and programs. I am excited to see him continue advancing the mission of �鶹��Ƶ.”

Throughout his time at Chowan, Lovett has played an important role in strengthening alumni engagement initiatives, supporting fundraising efforts, and cultivating a spirit of generosity and service across campus and within the broader community.

Beyond his work at Chowan, Lovett remains actively involved throughout the region. He serves as a board member for the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce and Committee of 100, is Secretary of the Murfreesboro Rotary Club, and represents �鶹��Ƶ through NCICU Economic Development and NCICU Development initiatives. He also serves as Chowan’s representative for Hertford County Connections and the Project Green Lantern Workforce Development Committee, while volunteering with the Murfreesboro Historical Association.

“I have experienced first-hand how life-changing this institution can be,” Lovett said. “All aspects of this community have helped me grow into the position I find myself in today, and I am bursting with pride to be able to represent Chowan as we continue strengthening the future of the University and the lives of our students. 

I have been fortunate to work for, and with, some outstanding leaders in the Chowan Advancement department over the past seven years. I hope to emulate the best of John Tayloe, Dr. Shelley Greene, Andy Wilson, Kay Thomas, Twyla Duke and Kim Bailey through my daily practices with our Chowan family. 

I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Rosemary Thomas for her faith in me, the local community for embracing a young man far from home, and my family – especially my wife Ashton – for supporting me in this exciting step.” 

As Interim Vice President of Advancement, Lovett will oversee advancement initiatives, alumni relations, fundraising efforts, and community engagement while continuing to support the mission and future growth of �鶹��Ƶ.

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“I’m going to tell a story,” Jay Ward says, his voice measured, intentional. “But I want to get it right.”

For Ward, storytelling is not casual. It is a responsibility.

Raised in Rich Square, North Carolina, Ward carries the rhythms, contradictions, and complexities of the South into every line he writes. Today, as a poet, performer, and Charlotte’s inaugural poet laureate, his work reaches national audiences—but it never loses its sense of place.

Because for Ward, place is not just where a story happens.

It is the story.

To understand Ward’s urgency, you have to understand the history he writes against.

For generations, the South—and Southern writers—have been misunderstood, dismissed, and misrepresented. Early critics like H.L. Mencken once reduced the region to a cultural void, describing it as intellectually barren and artistically lifeless. Those words, and the mindset behind them, helped shape a narrative that Southern writers have long had to confront.

Ward does not simply respond to that narrative.

He rewrites it.

“When I talk about place,” Ward explains, “I don’t just mean landscape. I mean something that feels real. Something lived in.”

That distinction is everything.

In Ward’s work, place is not a backdrop—it is a living presence. Built through memory, voice, and detail, it reflects the people who shape it and the stories they carry. His poetry resists stereotype, replacing it with nuance, complexity, and truth.

For Ward, this is more than craft.

It is obligation.

“As a Southerner, sometimes we feel the need to explain the South,” he says. “But as a Southern writer, I think we absolutely feel an obligation—to explain it and to do it right.”

That commitment has not gone unnoticed.

In recognition of his powerful voice and lasting contributions to the arts, Ward is named the recipient of the Mary Frances Hobson Prize for Distinguished Achievement in Arts and Letters at �鶹��Ƶ.

Established by the Hobson Family Foundation in memory of journalist and poet Mary Frances Hobson, the award honors individuals whose work has made a meaningful impact in the arts and literary world. Each year, the recipient is invited to deliver the Mary Frances Hobson Lecture, sharing insight and inspiration with the university community and the citizens of Hertford County.

For Ward, the recognition is both an honor and an extension of his mission.

His work already speaks to audiences far beyond the page—through performance, mentorship, and community engagement. Now, through the Hobson Lecture, that voice reaches even further, inviting listeners to reconsider how stories are told and whose stories are heard.

Today, Ward stands as one of North Carolina’s most resonant contemporary voices—not only because of what he writes, but because of what his work represents.

Through collections like Composition and Sing Me A Lesser Wound, and through his performances on national stages, he reclaims the narrative of the South. He replaces outdated perceptions with lived experience, inviting audiences to see the region not as it has been labeled, but as it truly is—layered, complex, and deeply human.

He shows that Southern writing is not something to defend.

It is something to understand.

Ultimately, Ward’s message is simple—but not easy.

To tell a story is to carry responsibility.
To write about place is to represent people, history, and memory all at once.

To do it carelessly is to flatten something rich into something hollow.
To do it well is to preserve it.

“We are telling the story,” Ward says. “It is our name. It is our place.”

And getting it right matters.

Because for Junious “Jay” Ward, storytelling is not just about expression.

It is about truth.
It is about legacy.
And it is about making sure that the places that shaped us are not just seen—

but understood.

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President Thomas shared that, “Rob Burke brings a proven record of leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to student-athlete success to this role. We are confident his vision and energy will elevate Chowan Athletics and strengthen our culture of excellence both on and off the fields of play.” 

Burke will maintain his position as Head Men’s Basketball Coach while also serving in the role as Director of Athletics. Burke brings with him 26 years of coaching experience at all levels of basketball, giving him invaluable experience that will assist him in his new journey as Director of Athletics. 

“I am honored and especially thankful for this opportunity to impact �鶹��Ƶ in a different light,” said Burke. “I understand the leaders that have come before me and I am humbled to take on the challenges in this collegiate environment.”

Burke, a 1999 Chowan graduate, returns home, this time on the sidelines.  Burke played for his father, legendary Chowan head coach Bob Burke, from 1995-1999, where he ranks in the top-10 in Chowan’s Division III program history in three point field goals made, assists, and points.

“Chowan is unique in how we impact student athletes,” continued Burke. “This university impacted my entire 25-year career in so many different ways. I hope to take on the challenge of the new age student-athlete in helping them have the same type of experience that I had as a student-athlete here.”

“I am excited to lead our team of coaches and to continue the building process of each program here at Chowan. I know this will be a major task but with the guidance and expertise of our Deputy Athletic Director  and the remaining athletic administrative staff, I know we can continue to meet the needs of our student athletes”.

“Rob and I have known one another since we were 18 years old when we were student-athletes ourselves here at Chowan,” said , Deputy Athletic Director. “Rob brings energy and enthusiasm to our department and experiences on a lot of other college campuses that will help us as we nurture and continue to grow our department in the coming years. This transition will be as smooth as it can be because we have an excellent support staff, starting at the top with our President, Dr. Thomas,  and trickling down into each department on this campus.” 

Prior to coming back to Chowan, Burke was the assistant men’s basketball coach at Division III Colorado College for one season under Coach Conarroe.

Burke spent four seasons at UNC Wilmington climbing the ranks within the program starting as the director of basketball operations in 2017 before being promoted to assistant coach during the 2018-19 campaign, and later served as the interim head coach for the latter half of the 2019-20 season.  Burke would go 5-8 as the interim while helping Shykeim Phillips to an All-CAA Rookie Team selection.

Prior to arriving in Wilmington, Burke served as the director of basketball operations at Georgia Southern for two seasons. 

Before moving up the ranks in the Division I level, Burke spent six seasons (2004-10) at NJCAA Spartanburg Methodist, where he guided the Pioneers to a 112-67 overall record, averaging 19 wins a season.  Burke was named Region X Coach of the Year in 2008-09 and sent 32 players to Division I and II.

Burke spent the 2008 summer as a pro staff skill development trainer for the Nike Regional Skills Academy.

Prior to becoming a head coach, Burke spent two seasons at Campbell (2002-04) as an assistant coach and two seasons at Limestone (2000-02).

Burke was a four-year member of the then-Chowan College, where he ranks in the top-10 in program history in made three-point field goals and in assists.  Burke graduated from Chowan in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and a minor in Business Administration.

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Traub shared the exciting news after officially completing her Ph.D., marking a significant academic milestone in her already impressive journey.

After transferring to Chowan from the University of Tampa and Northern Virginia Community College, Traub completed her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2022. She immediately continued her education at Chowan, enrolling in the Master of Organizational Leadership program in the summer of 2022 and graduating in the summer of 2023.

Reflecting on her time at Chowan, Traub credits the University with laying the foundation for her doctoral success.

“My experience at Chowan laid the foundation for everything that came after it — academically, professionally, and personally,” Traub said. “As a student-athlete, I learned discipline, resilience, and the importance of balancing high expectations in the classroom and in sport. The academic rigor I encountered in the MOL program strengthened my critical-thinking skills and pushed me to engage with complex ideas in meaningful ways. By the time I began my Ph.D., the habits of inquiry, reflection, and perseverance that I developed at Chowan had already prepared me to thrive.”

Traub described the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program as transformative in shaping both her leadership philosophy and professional confidence.

“The MOL program taught me that leadership is not about the title you hold, but the impact you make,” she said. “I found my voice as a leader — one rooted in empathy, service, and accountability. What I learned empowered me to step confidently into my career, so much so that I became a college professor at just 22 years old. That opportunity wasn’t about being the youngest in the room; it was about being prepared.”

Today, Dr. Traub serves as an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Newberry College, where she is investing in the next generation of health and exercise science professionals. She continues to draw upon the foundational lessons she gained at Chowan — lessons that shaped not only her leadership style, but the way she supports and mentors others.

Traub also expressed deep gratitude for the faculty and mentors who influenced her journey.

“The faculty in the MOL program invested in me not just as a student, but as a whole person,” she said. “Their belief in my potential gave me confidence in moments when I didn’t fully see it in myself.”

She also reflected on the impact of her experience as a member and captain of the women’s soccer team, where early mornings, shared challenges, and a culture of accountability helped shape her character.

In addition, Traub credited Dr. Hunter Taylor for encouraging her to pursue doctoral studies.

“He saw something in me that I hadn’t yet learned to see in myself,” she said. “I remember staying on long Zoom calls asking question after question while I felt overwhelmed and unsure. He never once made me feel out of place. His patience and belief helped me push through some of my toughest moments. I truly think that’s what Chowan is all about — the people there.”

For current and future MOL students, Traub offers this advice:

“Lean into the process. The MOL program will challenge you, but it will stretch you in all the right ways. Seek mentorship, ask questions, and don’t shy away from uncomfortable moments — those are often where the most growth happens. And most importantly, trust that you belong in every room your hard work leads you to.”

To those considering pursuing a doctorate after completing the MOL program, her message is simple:

“Go for it. The transition to doctoral-level study is absolutely achievable with the foundation Chowan provides. If you approach it with purpose, discipline, and the belief that your voice matters, there is no limit to what you can achieve.”

�鶹��Ƶ congratulates Dr. Traub on this outstanding accomplishment and celebrates the lasting impact she continues to make in higher education.

—

About �鶹��Ƶ
is a Christian liberal arts university located in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, committed to preparing students to discover their purpose through academic excellence and experiential learning.

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Chowan’s Biology program serves as a gateway for students planning to enter medical school, dental school, physician assistant programs, physical therapy, pharmacy, public health, and other healthcare professions. Students begin their journey in a rigorous yet supportive learning environment, building the scientific knowledge and professional skills required for advanced study.

“Students don’t have to have every answer on day one,” said Dr. Torrence Gill, Professor of Biology. “As freshmen, we encourage Biology majors to master the fundamentals and cultivate curiosity across the sciences. From there, we nurture their calling in their junior and senior years — strengthening their academic confidence and preparing them to move forward successfully into the medical field they choose.”

A Strong Foundation for Medical and Health Careers

Chowan’s Biology degree is intentionally designed to support pre-medical and pre-health students by emphasizing:

• Core coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and related sciences
• Small class sizes that allow for close faculty mentoring and individualized instruction
• Early exposure to research, scientific writing, and laboratory experiences

Students who begin their academic journey in Biology gain a broad scientific foundation that allows flexibility as career interests evolve—an important advantage in the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Professional Development Through Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)

�鶹��Ƶ is home to an active HOSA – Future Health Professionals chapter, giving students early exposure to healthcare careers beyond the classroom. Through HOSA, students:

• Explore a wide range of medical and health professions
• Participate in leadership development and service opportunities
• Build professional networks and gain insight into real-world healthcare settings

This involvement helps students confirm their career goals while developing professionalism, teamwork, and communication skills valued by graduate programs and employers.

Undergraduate Research and Published Student Work

Chowan biology students are encouraged to engage in undergraduate research, often collaborating directly with faculty on scientific studies. Students gain experience in research design and data analysis, scientific writing and presentation, and publishing and presenting research findings. 

Internships are also strongly encouraged, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in clinical, laboratory, and healthcare settings. Most students who complete internships go on to apply to graduate or professional programs, further advancing their career goals. 

Many students graduate having contributed to published scientific work, presented at conferences, or delivered a capstone presentation based on research conducted during a summer internship—an advantage when applying to medical and graduate programs.

Proven Pathways to the Medical Field

Students who begin their academic journey at Chowan in Biology and related pre-professional tracks consistently move on to medical, healthcare, and graduate programs. With faculty advising, academic support, and career preparation woven throughout the curriculum, students are positioned for strong placement outcomes in health-related fields.

Chowan’s approach emphasizes not only academic preparation, but also character, service, and purpose—qualities essential for future healthcare professionals.

An Open-Enrollment University with Personalized Support

As an open-enrollment institution, �鶹��Ƶ is committed to access and opportunity. Students who may not follow a traditional path into medicine find a welcoming environment where potential is nurtured and success is built step by step.

“Our students come from diverse backgrounds, but they share a common goal—to make a difference through healthcare,” added Dr. Gill. “Chowan helps them turn that goal into a plan.”

For students interested in medicine, healthcare, and the sciences, �鶹��Ƶ offers more than a major—it offers a meaningful starting point for a life of service and impact.For more information about �鶹��Ƶ’s Biology program and pre-medical pathways, visit .

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The roots of the Rouson legacy date back to 1924, when Rev. and Mrs. Rouson planted deep roots in the Murfreesboro community. Through decades of commitment to education, civic leadership, and ministry, they exemplified lives devoted to service, generosity, and advocacy for others. In recognition of their significant contributions, the Rouson Memorial Lecture was formally established in 2003 through a joint venture of the Town of Murfreesboro, �鶹��Ƶ, the Murfreesboro Historical Association, and local historian Alice Eley Jones.

As part of this year’s program, �鶹��Ƶ recognized two outstanding individuals whose lives reflect the spirit and values of the Rouson legacy.

Mr. Johnnie Reid was honored as the recipient of the Community Service Award. A retired educator with more than 30 years of service in Hertford County Public Schools, Mr. Reid has dedicated his life to bringing hope, guidance, and opportunity to generations of students. His enduring commitment to education and community uplift continues to leave a lasting impact.

Rev. Sonya Askew Williams received the Minnie Woods Perkins Award in recognition of her exceptional service and leadership. Rev. Williams has devoted nearly four decades of service to ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital and currently serves as the Manager of Community Health Improvement – Chaplain & Volunteer Services, faithfully supporting individuals and families throughout the region.

The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Mary Harrell, who shared a powerful message titled “Let Us Rise and Shine.” Drawing from Psalm 37 and personal reflection, Rev. Dr. Harrell emphasized the responsibility of using one’s God-given gifts to serve others and strengthen communities. She reflected on the Rousons as public servants who freely gave their time, talents, and resources to make the world a better place.

“Your gifts are not for you alone,” Rev. Dr. Harrell shared. “They are meant to be scattered to bring light, hope, and purpose to the lives of others.”

Welcoming remarks were provided by Dr. Rosemary Thomas, President of �鶹��Ƶ, who spoke to the deep alignment between the Rouson legacy and the university’s mission. Dr. Thomas highlighted Chowan’s guiding pillars of faith, family, and future, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to empowering students through education, service, and community.

“This is a place where education and faith intersect unapologetically,” Dr. Thomas said. “We are grounded in Christian faith, dedicated to transforming lives and preparing students to lead with purpose.”

University leadership, civic officials, honored guests, members of the Rouson family, and community members gathered in Chowan Chapel to commemorate the occasion and reaffirm the importance of service, faith, and shared responsibility in shaping a better future.

The Rouson Memorial Lecture remains a powerful reminder that lives devoted to purpose, generosity, and service leave a legacy that continues to shine.

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�鶹��Ƶ is pleased to announce that Junious “Jay” Ward is the recipient of the 2026 Mary Frances Hobson Prize for Distinguished Achievement in Arts and Letters. Junious “Jay” Ward is a poet and teaching artist living in Charlotte, North Carolina. A native of Rich Square, North Carolina, he is the author of Composition (Button Poetry, 2023) and Sing Me A Lesser Wound (Bull City Press, 2020), and he currently serves as Charlotte’s inaugural poet laureate. With musical precision and emotional depth rooted in cultural memory, his poetry offers a lyrical vision of the South, one that reflects its history while reimagining it through language that heals, challenges, and endures.

Initiated in 1995 by the Hobson Family Foundation of San Francisco, the award serves as a memorial to Mary Frances Hobson (1912-1993), a journalist and poet, who was the first woman to receive the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in journalism from the University of North Carolina. Previously honored recipients are Kaye Gibbons (1995), Mark Richard (1996), Jill McCorkle (1997), Randall Kenan (1998), G.D. Gearino (1999), Amy Hempel (2000), Allan Gurganus (2001), Padgett Powell (2002), Sheri Reynolds (2003), Chuck Sullivan (2004), Sheila Moses (2005), Michael Parker (2006), Josephine Humphreys (2007), Judy Goldman (2008), Darnell Arnoult (2009), Lee Smith (2010), Robert Morgan (2011), Silas House (2012), Joseph Bathanti (2013), Sharyn McCrumb (2014), Dorothy Allison (2015), Edward P. Jones (2016), Kevin Wilson (2017), Jim Grimsley (2018), Wiley Cash (2019), Crystal Wilkinson (2020), Michel Stone (2021), Daniel Wallace (2022), David Sanchez (2023), De’Shawn Charles Winslow (2024), and Stephanie Powell Watts (2025)

The annual event brings the university and community together each spring to celebrate the accomplishments of an author of the South or who writes about the South. The 32nd prize will be conferred on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at a dinner in the Chowan Room in Thomas Dining Hall. Following the dinner and conferral, Ward will deliver the Hobson Lecture at 7:30 p.m. in Vaughan Auditorium in Robert Marks Hall.

The public is invited to attend the Hobson Lecture. Please contact theOffice of the Provost at 252-398-6211 or cuprovost@chowan.edu for more information.

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MURFREESBORO, N.C. — �鶹��Ƶ has announced the launch of its new HOSA–Future Health Professionals collegiate chapter, expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare, public health, and allied health fields. The chapter, officially established this semester, reflects the university’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful service and leadership in rapidly growing health professions.

HOSA is an international organization dedicated to developing the next generation of healthcare leaders through professional development, skills training, networking, and competitive events. The new Chowan chapter will provide students with hands‑on experiences, mentorship, and exposure to a wide range of health‑related careers.

One of the chapter’s first activities was a guided tour of ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, where students met with healthcare professionals, explored clinical departments, and learned about the essential role regional hospitals play in serving rural communities. The visit offered students a firsthand look at patient care, hospital operations, and the diverse career pathways available within the healthcare system.

“I am proud to see our students take this important step toward their future in the health professions,” said Dr. John Dilustro, Provost of �鶹��Ƶ. “The launch of our HOSA chapter reflects Chowan’s mission to prepare graduates who are both professionally capable and committed to serving others. We appreciate the willingness of ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital to offer our students invaluable exposure to real‑world healthcare environments and the people who make them work.”

Chapter President and �鶹��Ƶ sophomore Aminah Stout shared her excitement about the organization’s launch. “I felt that starting a HOSA chapter would create a space where pre‑health students can come together to learn more about their future careers, while also being able to gain more hands‑on experiences,” Stout said.

The new HOSA chapter will host service projects, guest speakers, and career‑focused events throughout the year. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in state and national HOSA conferences and competitions. �鶹��Ƶ invites interested students from all majors—particularly those studying biology, exercise science, pre-professional pathways, and related fields—to join the chapter and take part in shaping its inaugural year. For more information about HOSA at �鶹��Ƶ, contact the Office of Academic Affairs or visit .

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