Chowan University Athletics

Walter Franklin Rose, Jr. better known as Frank, was born in Jonesville, N.C. in 1948. In the summer after his high school graduation he moved with his family to Ahoskie, N.C. and in the fall returned to start his education at Wake Forest University.  After his graduation from Wake Forest with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, he embarked on a banking career. However, his father asked him to return home to the family asphalt construction business and he did, in the summer of 1971. Although it was never his first career choice, hard work paid off. He remained with Rose Brothers Paving Co., Inc. for fifty years until the company was bought out in the fall of 2020 when he transitioned to RBP Holdings, Inc. 

His return to Ahoskie with his wife, Penny was blessed with the birth of three children, Chip, Laura and Taylor. After college the boys joined him in the business. Living in eastern North Carolina, he developed for him a keen sense of the importance of Christian education, both for his own children and for others in the community. 

While he has assumed many different roles of leadership over the years, Chowan University has always been a driving force in Frank's life. His first service to Chowan began in 1988 as a trustee and he has served continuously since then. He most recently completed his 10th year in the role of Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the longest tenure as a board chair in the history of the school. His leadership steered Chowan through some challenging times to arrive where the University is now.

Frank's dedication to Chowan has always been guided by a keen sense of helping others obtain a quality education while understanding the need for strong academics, facilities and athletics. This has been achieved through his support of academic scholarships and capital projects. The Rose Family Tennis Complex is among the new athletic facilities to open on campus. 

Serving family, church and community is representative of his life and active involvement and support of Chowan University is a cornerstone of Frank Rose's life as well as the Rose family.