Chowan University Department of Business

05/11/2026

Noah Stewart, Chowan University’s Student of the Month for May, has made the most of his time on campus and continued the academic excellence he began in high school. The valedictorian of Mattamuskeet Early College High School, Noah completed two years of college credit as a dual enrolled high school student. He chose Chowan because it allowed him to stay close to home while continuing his student-athlete career as a member of the golf team.

Now, at only 20 years old, Noah is preparing to graduate with a concentration in accounting. Throughout his time at Chowan, he has consistently demonstrated maturity, professionalism, and a strong work ethic that make him wise beyond his years.

Looking back on his experience, Noah says he is glad he decided to attend Chowan. During his two years at the university, he has built lasting friendships and gained valuable knowledge both inside and outside the classroom. His hard work and commitment to excellence have earned him a place on the President’s List every semester and induction into Alpha Chi and Sigma Beta Delta honor societies. At March’s Business Awards Day event, he was awarded the department’s O’Neill Award for professionalism.

Outside of golf, Noah enjoys spending time with friends, playing video games, and snowboarding. He also enjoys trying new things and making the most of new experiences.

When asked what advice he would give to underclassmen, Noah shared, “The effort you put into anything in life is equal to the reward you get from it.” His success at Chowan proves the value of that mindset and serves as an example of what can be achieved through hard work, involvement, and perseverance.

The Department of Business congratulates Noah as Student of the Month. We are excited that, upon graduation, he will transition from learning accounting as a student to working as a staff accountant at Chowan University. We are proud of all he has accomplished and are excited to welcome him as a future colleague.

05/04/2026

Hailing from Adelaide, South Australia, Harry Edwards was first drawn to Chowan University by the opportunity to compete on the men’s lacrosse team. Beyond the field, the supportive, close-knit environment of the campus created a foundation for his standout collegiate career.

A senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Management, Harry notes that while he enjoys all his courses, BUS 492 - Business Strategy has been his favorite for its real-world applications. His academic excellence is well-documented; he is a recipient of the 2025-2026 Outstanding Student Award and was inducted into the Phi Epsilon Kappa Honor Society in April 2026. He has also been a staple on the university’s honor rolls, including the President’s List and the Dean’s List for multiple semesters.

Harry’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. As a member of the men’s lacrosse team and a Presidential Ambassador, he has fully immersed himself in the Chowan community. He credits the lacrosse program with providing a "brotherhood" and lifelong friendships, noting that being a student-athlete helped him develop the discipline and accountability necessary for success. "The strong sense of community and support across campus is something I will remember most," Harry shares, describing how those connections built the confidence needed for his next steps.

After graduation, Harry plans to begin a career in business, focusing on operations or relationship management, with long-term goals of moving into leadership. He lives by the philosophy, “Can’t fatten the pig on market day,” a quote reminding him that success must be earned through daily preparation rather than last-minute effort. He attests that Chowan has provided him with the strategic mindset to turn that work ethic into a successful career.

Harry’s parting advice for fellow students is to stay engaged and make the most of the campus community. He believes Chowan provides a great foundation, but it is the student’s own drive and discipline that ultimately turn those resources into results.

Congratulations, Harry, on this well-deserved honor!

04/16/2026

Congratulations to all the business students who completed their capstone research projects at the Chowan University Student Research Conference on April 15, 2026.

Congratulations to:

Aleksei Belolipetskii
Matthew Davis
Harry Edwards
Eric Gordon
Laura Hulme
William Hynes
NyJal Johnson
Adam Lankford
Michael Litchfield
Nicholas Reiss
Feidi Abreu Rodriguez
Tadeo Sánchez
Noah Stewart
Elizabeth Waltz

03/18/2026

Congratulations to the March 2026 Business Student of the Month: William Hynes!

An international student from Ballarat, Australia, William first connected to Chowan University through basketball coach Rob Burke. Hynes credits Burke for sparking his interest in Chowan University, “his passion and love for trying to make Chowan the best it can be really opened my eyes and pulled me in!” After two years of juco, William made his way to Chowan, where he has been a standout student and athlete.

William is a Business Administration major with a management concentration, as he enjoys learning about how businesses can achieve greatness while working against weaknesses or threats. He credits the courses in strategic management and financial analysis as being the most impactful to him as a student, pushing him to think critically rather than rely on memorization. Hynes’ academic excellence has not gone unnoticed as he has been recognized as a recipient of the Outstanding Student Award for 2025-2026 and placed on the President’s List for Fall 2025.

William’s dedication to excellence extends beyond the classroom to his role as a member of the men’s basketball team. Hynes describes the basketball team as having a significant role in shaping his college experience, teaching him leadership, accountability, and how to perform under pressure. During the 2025-2026 season, he was honored to be selected by his teammates as team captain. According to Hynes, this role has made a significant impact on him: “It showed me that leadership isn’t just about being vocal but instead showing up every single day and leading by example through my actions and work ethic.”

After graduation, William plans to return to his hometown, where he will continue his basketball career playing semi-professionally. Although he has not determined his career path, he is currently looking towards investing and entrepreneurship. Hynes attests that his current success and future have been significantly impacted by his time at Chowan University: “As a student athlete studying business, I’ve learned discipline, adaptability, and resilience. The academic training gave me strategic thinking skills, and athletics strengthened my mental toughness. That combination will help me transition into both professional basketball and business.”

William’s advice to future Chowan students is “make sure you manage your time wisely. Make sure you are the person who always hands in assignments on time and puts effort into your work. If you do those things, you’re bound for success as the teachers here will give up their time to help you understand and become successful in whatever class it is you may be taking!”

Congratulations, William! Your work ethic, leadership, and dedication both in and out of the classroom have made you a standout member of the Chowan University community.

02/16/2026

The Chowan University Department of Business is proud to recognize Elizabeth Waltz as the February 2026 Student of the Month. A senior from Amissville, Virginia, Elizabeth exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, service, and faith-driven purpose as she prepares to graduate in May 2026.

Elizabeth is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a General Business concentration and is also enrolled in Chowan’s 4 + 1 Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) program, demonstrating both ambition and a commitment to lifelong learning. She chose business as her major because she believes it is applicable to every aspect of life and offers a wide range of career opportunities, an outlook that reflects her thoughtful and practical approach to education.

Her involvement on campus is nothing short of exceptional. Elizabeth serves as Vice President of FBLA–Collegiate and is an active member of the Honors College, International Students Club (ISC), and Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC). She is also deeply engaged in campus life through the Chowan University Swim Team, Community Choir, Praise and Worship Team, and her role as a Ministry Chaplain. In recognition of her academic achievements and leadership, she holds officer positions in multiple honor societies, including Treasurer of Alpha Lambda Delta and Vice President of Alpha Chi, and is a member of Sigma Beta Delta and Chi Omega honor societies. As a junior, she served as a Commencement Marshal.

Elizabeth credits her decision to attend Chowan University to her faith, sharing that she felt Chowan was where God was leading her. That sense of calling extends beyond campus. She is a volunteer member of the Amissville, Virginia Fire and Rescue and the Murfreesboro, North Carolina Fire Department, generously giving her time to serve others.

Outside of academics and service, Elizabeth enjoys music—writing, singing, playing the keyboard, and listening. Another creative outlet she enjoys is crocheting.

Looking ahead, Elizabeth plans to complete her EMT certification, work as an EMT and paramedic, and pursue a career as a Flight Medic—a path that blends leadership, service, and compassion.

When asked what advice she would give to current and future Chowan students, Elizabeth encourages them to “not let opportunities pass you by” and to “take advantage of the doors God opens for you.” Her journey at Chowan is a powerful example of what can happen when students embrace opportunity with purpose and faith.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Waltz on her well-deserved recognition as the Chowan University Department of Business Student of the Month for February 2026.

02/02/2026

We are proud to recognize Matthew Davis of Seaboard, North Carolina as our Business Student of the Month for January 2026.

A 2023 graduate of Northeast Academy in Northampton County, Matthew chose Chowan University for its small campus environment, strong sense of community, and the opportunity to build meaningful, one-on-one relationships with professors. The close-knit, small-town atmosphere proved to be an ideal fit and has helped him thrive both academically and personally.

Matthew is an active and engaged member of campus life, participating in the Honors College, Alpha Lambda Delta, FBLA, Alpha Chi, Sigma Beta Delta, and Quiz Bowl. He is majoring in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting and Management, where his academic excellence has set him apart.

In addition to the classroom, Matthew has gained valuable real-world experience through internships with Chowan University’s Financial Aid Office and Glover Construction, where he serves as an accounting intern. His dedication and work ethic are reflected in an outstanding academic record, including a 4.0 GPA, consistent placement on the President’s List, and numerous honors such as the Faith In Your Future Award, Outstanding Honors College Freshman, Outstanding Student in Economics, and multiple Outstanding Student awards.

Set to graduate in May 2026, Matthew plans to continue working in an entry-level position at Glover Construction while pursuing a Master’s degree in Accounting and earning his CPA.

When asked what advice he would give new students, Matthew shared: “Enjoy the experience while it lasts, it goes by fast. Prioritize your classes and submit your assignments, and you will succeed. Professors are always willing to help you.” His favorite courses include accounting and finance, where he enjoys applying concepts to real-world situations.

Congratulations to Matthew Davis on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to seeing his continued success in the business profession.

12/12/2025

Congratulations to the December 2025 Business Student of the Month: Gracie Ross!

Originally from Graham, North Carolina, Gracie first connected with Chowan University through a soccer camp and immediately felt at home on campus. The close-knit community and team culture confirmed it was the perfect place for her.

Gracie is a double-major in History (Pre-Law) and Business Administration with a Marketing concentration. When asked about what she enjoyed about her classes, she stated, “I really enjoy the professors and the smaller classes because they make you feel supported and genuinely invested in your success.” She credits Professor Patsy Taylor, her advisor, with playing a major role in her success, especially as she works towards graduating early while balancing two majors and the Honors College.

Gracie’s diligence in the classroom has resulted in many academic achievements, including being on the President’s List every semester and being named a 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Chowan Outstanding Student Award recipient. She is also a member of five campus honor societies: Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society, Alpha Chi Honor Society, Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society, and Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society. Her diligence for success can also be seen outside the classroom in her contributions to the women’s soccer team, Honors College Student Association President, SAAC, and working in the tutoring and writing center.

In the classroom, Gracie’s most memorable experience has been taking Mrs. Williams’ accounting courses, which challenged her and helped her grow academically and socially. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Sports Management and ultimately a career in sports marketing.

Gracie encourages new business students to “make sure to use your resources and never be afraid to talk to your professors or ask questions, they genuinely want to help you succeed. Get involved outside the classroom and outside of sports, because joining clubs, organizations, or campus events helps you build connections and discover new interests. At the same time, remember to make space for yourself and your hobbies. Finding a balance between academics, involvement, and personal time is one of the best ways to grow and stay motivated.”

Congratulations, Gracie! Your dedication, leadership, and academic excellence make you a standout member of the Chowan community.

11/13/2025

Congratulations to the November 2025 Business Student of the Month: Finley Scott!

Finley is an international student, who came to Chowan University from Cambridge, England. Finley’s decision to attend Chowan came after meeting Coach Chris Whalley in Miami, Florida. He was intrigued by the small class sizes and the opportunity to be a student athlete on the men’s soccer team.

At Chowan, Finley is a senior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting and a minor in management. He particularly enjoys his accounting courses, crediting Mrs. Williams for making the subject engaging and thought-provoking. Finley has earned recognition for being on the Dean’s List multiple times, the most recent being Spring of 2025. He was also one of the 25 student athletes named to the 2024-2025 Conference Carolinas Fall Academic All-Conference Team.

Beyond academics, Finley has made a significant impact on campus as a student-athlete on the soccer team, as well as through his previous work as a tutor and tour guide. Due to his achievements in and outside of the classroom, Finley served the university as a Leadership Scholar for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Finley will graduate this December. After graduation, he plans to return to England to pursue his ACA license and to continue his journey in the field of accounting.

Congratulations on being selected as the CU Business Student of the Month for November 2025!

10/03/2025

From Winterton, England, to the fields and classrooms of Chowan University, senior Harry Baker has made his mark as both a student and an athlete. Balancing the demands of a double major in Sports Management and Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, Baker shows that dedication and passion can drive success across multiple arenas.

On the soccer field, Harry shines as right back and captain of the Hawks men’s soccer team. His leadership and skill have helped the program achieve new heights, while his personal accolades include All-Conference and All-Region selections. His academic excellence has also been recognized with the Conference Carolinas Elite 23 Award, presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA at a championship finals site.

Soccer also connects him to home. With many teammates from Britain, the camaraderie provides comfort and a sense of belonging thousands of miles away from Winterton. Off the field, Harry enjoys golf and nearly any competition that tests both body and mind.

His academic journey is equally inspiring. After transferring to Chowan for Sports Management, he discovered a passion for accounting through his first financial accounting course. While financial accounting sparked his interest, cost accounting captured his imagination. The hands-on use of Excel, data analysis, and process automation gave him practical skills he found both useful and rewarding.

Harry’s accomplishments extend well beyond the classroom and the pitch. He has been inducted into Alpha Chi and Chi Alpha Sigma, received the Chowan Outstanding Student Award, and was honored with the Drs. Vaughn and Miles Outstanding Business Student Award—a testament to his work ethic and curiosity.

With graduation approaching, Harry stands as a model of balance, ambition, and leadership, embodying the best of Chowan’s business students.

Congratulations, Harry!

09/18/2025

So proud of our business students! Fantastic job!

Congratulations to Eric Gordon, William Hynes, Ayanna Rutledge, and Tadeo Sanchez! These Business students just earned 4th place out of 477 teams from 31 institutions worldwide in GLO-BUS, an international online business simulation where students run a virtual company and make strategic decisions in marketing, operations, finance, and product design.

This ranking covers the week of September 8–14—huge congrats to our students for competing globally and representing Chowan with excellence! 🎉