Notable Alumni of Chowan University: A Legacy of Light and Truth
Chowan University, a private Christian institution in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1848. Originally established as the Chowan Baptist Female Institute, the university has evolved over the years, adapting to the changing needs of its students and the wider community. Today, Chowan University stands as a testament to the enduring power of education, fostering a nurturing environment where students can grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally.
A key indicator of a university's success lies in the accomplishments of its alumni. Chowan University is proud to count among its graduates individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, embodying the university's motto of "Lux et Veritas" - Light and Truth. Each year, Chowan recognizes at least three alumni who have truly excelled in his or her chosen profession at the Distinguished Alumni Dinner which is held Homecoming weekend. The recognized alumni have made significant contributions to our society through his or her career or life accomplishments that are a testament to the work and mission of the University.
This article aims to highlight some of the notable alumni who have emerged from Chowan University, showcasing the diverse paths they have taken and the remarkable achievements they have attained.
Distinguished Alumni Honorees
Chowan University recognizes alumni who have excelled in their professions and contributed significantly to society through the Distinguished Alumni Dinner, held during Homecoming weekend. The following individuals have been honored for their accomplishments:
- Kate Mackie Allen ’29
- Donna P. Askew ’89
- H. Allen Autry ’61
- Harold W. Babb ’70
- Kemper Baker, Jr. ’66
- Calvin Baldwin
- Thomas J. Ballance, ’69
- Lucille Williams Beasley, 1915
- Glenn Smith Benthall ’25
- William J. Bowman ’69
- Barry A. Bradberry ’73
- Maggie Boone Bridgers ’32
- Randy V. Britton ’60
- Dorothy Heath Brown ’33
- Grace Pearce Brown, 1916
- J. Hatcher Cale, Jr. ’66
- Allen J. Casey ’62
- Suzanne S. Clifton ’64
- Elizabeth G. Craig ’68
- W. Marvin Daugherty, ’71
- Stanley Eugene Dixon, Jr. ’76
- Stephen Dunn
- Deborah Blowe Edwards ’77, ’95
- M. Frank Edwards ’58
- Inez W. Elrod ’35
- Dr. Allie Evans
- Edith Vick Farris ’53
- Thomas Edwin Forbes, ’74
- J.P. Freeman ’35
- Miley Williams Glover ’74
- Jo A. Grice ’57
- Lynwood M. Grice ’57
- Hazel Griffin ’26
- John R. Griffin ’55
- Jerry Harper ’63
- Wesley S. Hauser ’69
- Michael V. Hendley ’66
- Ronald L. W. Dennis Hogue ’65
- Cecil Sherwood Hollomon, Jr. ’68
- Billy R. Howell ’61
- Bradford Lance Jenkins, ’03
- Lance Jenkins
- John M. Jenkins
- Olivia Benthall Jenkins*
- Mike Johnson ’58
- John R. Jordan ’40
- Darlene Jacqueline Keene ’81
- Hugh Banks Lewis ’75
- Kenneth Lyons ’85
- Sandra Gatling Mahler ’62
- Charles Preston McElheney, III ’96
- Cheryl Hobday McElheney ’65
- James C. McGill ’62
- Raymond D. Meiggs ’52
- Julian R. Mills, Sr. ’59
- Michael S. Moore ’92
- Elaine Early Myers ’60
- Robert A. Newsome, Jr. ’64
- Captain Milton A. Outten, ’71
- Alton W. Parker ’39
- Elton C. Parker ’39
- Grace Parker, 1910
- Linwood Parker ’66
- Sarah Virginia Parker ’57
- Brinson Paul ’52
- Charles Paul ’55
- Lola Mae Freeman Penny 1900
- Judith W. Perry ’70
- Charles Pond III ’62
- Jay White Porter ’33
- Drew D. Paster, ’08
- Harvey W. Reinhardt ’61
- Raymond L. Richards ’72
- Tim Roberson ’65
- Lawrence W. Smith ’65
- Mary C. Herman L. Spencer, III, ’00
- Mitchell Spencer, ’64
- Lowell F. Sodeman ’38
- William B. Sowell ’55
- Emma Gay Stephenson ’31
- Louise Strickland ’36
- Charles M. Taylor, ’67
- Agnes White Thomas ’31
- Ruth Thomas, 1917
- Jonathan H. Taylor, MD ’90
- L. Mack Thompson, ’64
- Richard L. Thompson ’61
- Mary Wiggins Turner, 1912
- Ruby Daniels Udvarnoki ’29
- Ethleen Vick Underwood ’28
- Ben B. Ussery, Jr., ’68
- Ernie Vadersen ’64
- S. Keith Vaughan ’83
- William T. Vest ’62
- Deborah B. Vinson ’77, ’99
- Linda Cowan Warfford ’69
- Harry W. Webster ’63
- M. Scott White ’80
- Una Lorraine White, 1913
- Vesta Benthall White*
- Charlie T. Whitley ’58
- Monnie McDaniel Wiley ’28
- Eugene Williams ’54
- Brenda Simmons Wilson, ’68
- Hugh (Butch) Wilson, ’67
- Carlyle R. Wimbish ’58
- Richard Winstead ’64
- T. David Witten ’64
- Jerry P.
Alumni in Athletics
Chowan University's athletic programs have produced a number of accomplished individuals who have excelled in their chosen sports. These athletes have not only achieved success on the field but have also gone on to make significant contributions to their communities.
Read also: Affording Chowan University
Shane Rademacher: A former Chowan University baseball standout, Shane Rademacher, is off to a good start in the opening month of play in the High-A Class league.
Andy Kelly: Andy Kelly was born and raised in Carthage, North Carolina and currently resides in Charlotte. While he now leads a professional sales career and is a devoted husband and father, Andy was once always on the basketball court. In 1990, Andy signed with Chowan Junior College under former coach and Chowan Hall of Famer Bob Burke. In 1992, Andy's dream to play at the ACC Division I level was becoming a reality as he signed a scholarship to play with Clemson University under Coach Cliff Ellis. In the 1994-95 season, under Coach Rick Barnes, Andy started 28 games for Clemson. That year, Clemson advanced to the NIT and won 17 games overall.
Wilbert Hunter: Wilbert Hunter came to Chowan in August of 1988 after being recruited by legendary basketball coach, Bob Burke. In his senior season the forward averaged 22 points an outing, enough to turn heads of many college coaches. Wilbert played for two seasons for the famed coach Bob Burke and achieved remarkable success. In his sophomore season, he averaged 16.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He was instrumental in Chowan's drive to the 1992 NJCAA Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. Following his years at Chowan, Wilbert continued his playing career at East Carolina University.
Judy Parsons: Franklin, Virginia native Judy Parsons did not venture far from her roots when she first came to Chowan in 1985. She attended Chowan, then a junior college, for one brief year before returning in 1994. When she returned nearly 10 years later, she still had three years of eligibility, and became an integral part of the Chowan women's basketball team. Judy also played one year of softball and one year of tennis while at Chowan.
Julius Smith: Julius Smith came to Chowan in August of 1971 after being recruited by Hall of Fame Coach, Jim Garrison. Although his freshman year was shortened due to injury, Julius was named All Coastal Conference Honorable Mention after rushing for 572 yards and five touchdowns. In his sophomore season, Julius scampered for 957 season yards and hit pay dirt nine times. After one of the featured backs in the wishbone in his first season, Julius excelled as the top offensive back in sophomore year in Garrison's new I-formation offense. His play during his last season at Chowan helped him lock down a scholarship to play for the University of Cincinnati.
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Sean McClafferty: Sean McClafferty came to Chowan in the fall of 1993 to play men’s soccer in its inaugural season at the University. The Orlando, Florida native was recruited by then-coach Eric Terrell, who had the task of starting the first-year program at Chowan from the ground up. Sean served as a captain all four years he played on the team. He is still the only player in program history to hold a captain’s position in all four seasons of play. After graduation from Chowan, Sean was hired in 1998 to teach in nearby Northampton County Schools. Sean continues to support his alma mater and the CU men’s soccer program. He and his wife, Jennifer Hill McClafferty (c/o 1995), serve on the Chowan Alumni Council and assist with various CU Development Office projects.
Alumni in Ministry and Service
Chowan University's commitment to Christian values is reflected in the number of alumni who have dedicated their lives to ministry and service. These individuals have made a positive impact on their communities through their faith-based work.
- Reverend Craig Janney: Reverend Craig Janney, a notable alumni of Chowan University, is currently the pastor of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Harrisonburg, VA. While earning his BA in Religion at Chowan University, he played on the football team and was actively involved in Christian Service.
Alumni in Education
Many Chowan University graduates have pursued careers in education, shaping the minds of future generations and making a lasting impact on their students.
- Joyce E. Futrell: Notable alumni Joyce E. Futrell exemplifies the values of Chowan University through her dedication to education, community service, and student success. Joyce is currently employed as a registrar with the Hertford County School System, where she encourages students to strive for academic, social, and personal excellence, motivating them to become successful young men and women. Joyce’s journey with Chowan University began as an Upward Bound student. She earned her Associate Degree in Clerical Administration in 1982 and later returned to earn her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in May 2010.
Alumni in Arts and Entertainment
Chowan University has also produced talented individuals who have made their mark in the arts and entertainment industry.
- Steven Dean Davis: Notable alumni Steven Dean Davis has built an impressive career as an actor, singer, dancer, photographer, and drummer since 1987. A graduate of Chowan University with an Associate’s degree in Photography, Steven furthered his education with a BFA in Acting and Directing from UNC.
Alumni in Business and Technology
Chowan University alumni have also found success in the fields of business and technology, contributing to innovation and economic growth.
Read also: History of the Block 'M'
- Jordan P. Gainous: Jordan P. Gainous is a notable alumni of Chowan University, recognized not only for his service to our country but also for the impressive accomplishments he has achieved throughout his life. Jordan graduated from Chowan University in 2014 with an AA in Printing, Production & Imaging Technology and a BS in Graphic Communications. Jordan now works as an F-35 Site Activation Analyst in Arlington, VA, helping to manage logistics and sustainment planning for the F-35 program. In addition to his career, Jordan is the CEO and owner of Nobile Fitness.
Alumni in Other Fields
Chowan University alumni have also excelled in a variety of other fields, demonstrating the breadth and depth of the university's educational offerings.
Alison (Allie) DeWitt (Kolezynski): Alison (Allie) DeWitt (Kolezynski), a notable alumni of Chowan University, is the Assistant Commissioner for Communications and Operations at the Mountain East Conference in Bridgeport, WV.
Lennis Hicks: Notable alumni Lennis Hicks was honored as the Omega Man of the Year on November 23, 2024. This prestigious award is presented to members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity who have made significant contributions to their communities and the fraternity, exemplifying leadership, service, and dedication.
Heidi Jensen: Heidi Jensen, a 2024 honors graduate of Chowan University, isn’t just chasing her dream-she’s living it. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Psychology, Heidi is now studying medicine at the University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS), based in St. Kitts in the Caribbean.
David and Courtney Hughes: David and Courtney Hughes first crossed paths in 2004 on their very first day at Chowan University in North Carolina. Like many student-athletes arriving early on campus, their meeting marked the beginning of both a collegiate journey and a life partnership that would take them around the globe.
Manuela Jimenez: Manuela Jimenez, a first-year master’s student in Science and Statistics at Florida State University, is on a clear path toward a career in applied statistics - with a special passion for the sports industry. As a Graduate Assistant in Teaching, she’s finishing her first year in the program this semester.
Hall of Fame Inductees
The Chowan University Athletic Department has honored several individuals with induction into its Hall of Fame.
- Tommy Forbes: Tommy Forbes' life has been intricately connected to Chowan since his childhood when he, his parents, and his sister (Joan) lived next door to Dr. B. Franklin Lowe, Jr., a college Dean from 1968-2001. Tommy served as President of the Day Student Organization as a student and his commitment to serve the University has not waivered. In 2015, Tommy was honored by Chowan University as a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.
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