Hall of Fame
William Sowell is a native of Pageland, S.C. and graduated from Pageland High School in 1948. Shortly thereafter, he entered the United States Coast Guard and served for four years. After his discharge, he attended Chowan College (now University) from 1953 to 1955 and graduated with the first Graphic Arts diploma to be issued by the institution.
Sowell began teaching at Chowan in the graphic arts department in 1955. While teaching full-time, he continued as s student and received an A.A. degree from Chowan. He continued his education at East Carolina University where he received his B.S.
He taught at Chowan through May 1993, making a total of thirty-eight years of teaching service to the University, and two years as production manager in the School of Graphic Communications for a total of forty years. In 1986, his colleagues on the faculty awarded him the Excellence in Teaching Award. The students dedicated the 1967 yearbook to him. In 2001, Sowell was given the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
In addition to this teaching career, Sowell was the golf coach at Chowan for fifteen years. He was “Coach of the Year” twice, in 1984-85 and 1985-86. He had several NJCAA All-Americans, All-Conference and All-Region performers.
Sowell’s life outside his Chowan responsibilities has been busy. He is a member of the Murfreesboro United Methodist Church and has been a lay speaker for several years. He has twice served as president of the Exchange Club.
Sowell was a member of the Murfreesboro Rescue Squad for ten years and is a lifetime honorary member. He was a scoutmaster for twelve years and coached Little League baseball for many years. He is a Mason, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a Shriner.
Sowell is married to June Tucker and they have three children, all of whom attended Chowan University. The Sowells also have five grandchildren.
