Chowan University’s Business Program Recognized as One of the Best Business Degree Programs in the Country
Chowan University’s Department of Business has been recognized as one of the Best Business Degree Programs in the Country by Research.com in their 2024 edition of the Best Colleges & Universities. This prestigious honor highlights the department’s commitment to student success and its unique approach to combining technical knowledge with essential life skills, making it a standout among business programs nationwide.
Dr. Hunter Taylor, Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies and Associate Professor of Business Administration, expressed his excitement about the recognition: “We are thrilled to receive this honor, which reflects the dedication and passion of our faculty. Our student-centered approach focuses on building strong connections with each individual, ensuring they leave Chowan with not only technical competence, but also the life skills necessary to thrive in their careers and personal lives.”
A former business owner with a background in automotive technology, Taylor transitioned to teaching in 1998. After earning a BSBA and MBA from East Carolina University, he discovered his passion for management and leadership. Dr. Taylor completed his DBA in Project Management from Liberty University in 2018. He credits the success of the Business program to his dedicated faculty team, including Patsy Taylor, Shannon Williams, Brandon Matthews, and Taylor Pruitt.
The Department of Business plays a vital role in Chowan’s mission as a Life Skills University, where students are trained in both professional and personal skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Business students graduate with expertise in fields like accounting, marketing, management, and cybersecurity, but they also gain critical life skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and financial literacy.
The recently launched Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership brings together graduates from various disciplines, all with a curriculum centered on life skills like conflict resolution, financial management, and communication—transferable to any career. Additionally, the department’s innovative 4+1 program allows students to earn both their undergraduate and master’s degrees in just five years, helping them fast-track their careers.
Chowan’s Visiting Executive Program is another key element of the Department of Business’s success, offering students regular opportunities to interact with industry leaders. These executives share insights into their own career paths, provide guidance, and help students envision their future in the business world. It’s an example of how the department integrates real-world learning with classroom instruction, preparing students for the realities of the business world.
The department’s recognition would not have been possible without the dedication of its faculty. Dr. Hunter Taylor, along with faculty members like Patsy Taylor, Shannon Williams, Brandon Matthews, and Dr. Taylor Pruitt, bring their passion for teaching and their professional experiences into the classroom, fostering a dynamic and supportive learning environment for students. Each faculty member goes above and beyond to ensure that students not only grasp the technical material but also develop the life skills that are critical to long-term success.
Patsy Taylor, an Associate Professor of Marketing at Chowan University, has dedicated 34 years to the institution, making her the longest-serving faculty member. She has played a crucial role in the personal and professional development of her students, both in and out of the classroom. For 31 years, she has been the adviser to the FBLA-Collegiate (Future Business Leaders of America) chapter, which provides business students with opportunities for state and national competition, leadership skill development, and networking. Mrs. Taylor finds great fulfillment in guiding students through their academic journeys and values her collaboration with talented faculty and staff, describing Chowan as a “special place.”
Shannon Williams, Associate Professor of Accounting, has made a lasting impact on Chowan’s business students through her commitment to both their academic and professional development. What sets her apart is the strong network she has built with local businesses and organizations, ensuring students have access to valuable internships and career opportunities. She actively works to connect her students with these real-world experiences, helping them gain practical skills and establish professional connections that often lead to full-time positions after graduation. Her dedication to their success, both in the classroom and beyond, exemplifies the department’s commitment to preparing students for thriving careers in business.
As the largest program on campus, enrolling 25% of the student population, the Department of Business continues to be a leader in providing education that is both rigorous and holistic. This accolade from Research.com underscores how the department’s focus on student achievement, both inside and outside the classroom, is paying off.
This recognition is also a testament to the accomplishments of Chowan’s business graduates. Alumni like Katie Houston, now a digital banking client representative, attribute their success to the support and guidance they received from Chowan’s faculty. Katie shared, “I enjoyed my time at Chowan, thanks to the amazing professors. Without them, I wouldn’t have pursued my MA in Organizational Leadership after graduation. My time in the department inspired me to continue my education.”
Haleigh Thorpe, an accountant with Burgess & Co., echoed this sentiment, highlighting how Chowan’s small class sizes and supportive environment helped her succeed: “The professors always went the extra mile, and I’m forever grateful for how they helped shape who I am today.”
As Chowan University’s Department of Business continues to receive national recognition, it remains dedicated to providing students with an education that equips them for both professional success and personal fulfillment. The combination of strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and a focus on life skills makes Chowan’s business program one of the best in the country—setting students on a path toward bright futures.