Chowan University

collaborating with other institutions. “This creates opportunities for each school to access one another’s academic fields, classes, and possibly even future degree programs where the other school’s students can get degrees from Chowan for a dual degree, and vice versa,” Dr. Peterson shares. Tayloe adds that another prominent factor for the success of Chowan University, and when it prospers the most, is when it embraces its Christian heritage. It’s something that is emphasized by the school’s tagline: “Faith in Your Future.” He also acknowledges that it has less to do with being dogmatic, and more to do with providing unique opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. “We engage people with missional experiences that transform their lives.” “We’ve taken students to Cuba on three different occasions,” says Dr. Peterson. “We’ve been to South Africa multiple times; we’ve gone along the East Coast helping with hurricane relief; we serve meals to the homeless; and the students who get involved in that type of missions work, have a 99-percent graduation rate, and that’s amazing. Not every student that comes here is Christian; we welcome everyone, but we also give people the opportunity to accept Christian values.” “We started an organization called the Chowan Christian Service Association (CCSA),” says Dr. Peterson. “We’ve raised over $2 million, and that’s outside endowment gifts from alumni, friends, churches, and community partners in support of our students with scholarships for those called to ministry and mission work. Our goal is to graduate gospel global citizens.” Chowan University stresses the importance of international immersion as a learning experience for its staff and students to further their development and perspective. “Each year, we take a group of students, staff, faculty, and board members overseas,” Dr Peterson continues. “We’ve been to Turkey, Greece, Israel, Egypt, Italy, CHOWAN UNI VERS I TY Kim Bailey