MURFREESBORO, N.C. - The Chowan University "Jim Garrison" Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce the 2025 class set for induction on Saturday, November 8th, 2025.. This year's class is highlighted by six former student-athletes and one patron inductee. International television persona, record holders, athletes of the year, conference champions, all-conference performers, campus and community leaders are just a few of the descriptive accolades that this year's class holds. The class features Mark Brown (basketball, c/o '11), Tyler Burden (baseball, c/o '15), Larry Carter (patron inductee), Don Donatello (golf, c/o '93), Thad Forehand (basketball, c/o '98), Taylor Furlough (baseball/coach, c/o '05), and Callie Armistead Kelly (volleyball, c/o '13).
Fans will be introduced to this year's class at the last home football game on November 8th against Ferrum. At halftime the 2025 class will be recognized for their induction. The official induction ceremony will be that Saturday evening at 5:00pm in the J.M. Jenkins Center.
Mark Brown
Basketball
2008-2011
Mark Brown is an accomplished risk management professional and proud graduate of Chowan University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Social Science with a minor in Psychology, graduating magna cum laude in 2011. Mark came to Chowan in the fall of 2008 and quickly established himself as yet-another player from nearby Suffolk, Virginia who would make a name for himself on the basketball court. Other Suffolk notable Hawks include Hall of Fame Inductees Trayvon Lathan and Jaleel Nelson.
During his collegiate basketball career, Brown established himself as one of the program's premier performers in the NCAA Division II era. He ranks 8th all-time in points scored (957), 8th in field goals made (339), 7th in three-point field goals made (115), 9th in free throws made (164), and 5th in rebounds (383). Over his career, Brown averaged 11.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while maintaining an impressive 71 percent free-throw shooting percentage. These statistics certainly demonstrate both consistency and leadership on the court during his time donning the CU blue and white.
While at Chowan, Mark served as a Presidential Ambassador, was an officer for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and was a member of the History Honor Society, Psychology Honor Society, and the Criminal Justice Honor Society.
Following his time at Chowan, Brown built a distinguished professional career in organizational risk strategy, property investment, and both domestic and international risk management. He has served in a senior leadership role with Amazon for more than a decade, overseeing key aspects of risk operations and safety initiatives.
Beyond his professional success, Brown is a devoted husband to his wife, Janay, and a proud father to their daughter, Morgan. He attributes his accomplishments to the values of hard work, faith, and family—principles that continue to guide his life and career. In his free time, Mark enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Tyler Burden
Baseball
2012-2015
Tyler Burden is a dedicated K9 Detective with the Ahoskie Police Department and a proud native of Hertford County, North Carolina. A former standout athlete, Tyler graduated from Hertford County High School in 2012 after an accomplished baseball career, which he continued at Chowan University. There, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice while excelling on the baseball field.
During his collegiate baseball career, Tyler earned numerous honors, including, 2014 Rawlings/ABCA Division II Atlantic All-Region Second Team, 2015 All-CIAA First Team, and 2015 NCBWA All-Region First Team. Tyler's name is written in the baseball program record books in many locations throughout, including, 2nd in career batting average (.376), fourth in single season batting average (.407), first in career triples (14), second in single season triples (7), and first in career stolen bases (47). Tyler also has top ten records in three other categories in the Chowan baseball program.
His exceptional performance on the diamond led to his selection in the 20th round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. He began his professional career with the Bluefield Blue Jays before being called up to the Vancouver Canadians.
In 2017, Tyler made the decision to leave professional baseball and pursue a new passion: serving and protecting his community. After graduating from Basic Law Enforcement Training that same year, he joined the Ahoskie Police Department. Over the years, he has served in various roles including patrol officer, patrol sergeant, and K9 sergeant. Today, he proudly serves as a K9 Detective in the department's investigations unit.
Tyler completed his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Chowan University in May 2024.
He has been married to his wife, Kerstyn, since 2020, and together they are proud parents to their daughter, Layken Graye. Tyler also serves as the handler for his trusted K9 partner, Thor, a loyal Dutch Shepherd who plays an integral role in the department's investigative work.
Larry Carter
Patron
For more than 45 years, Larry Carter affectionately known as "Super Fan" and "Mr. Chowan" has been a constant presence and devoted supporter of Chowan University. A proud Murfreesboro native, Larry has poured his time, talent, and treasures into the life of the university, its grounds, buildings, students, parents, and staff. His unselfish service and unwavering dedication embody the true spirit of Chowan.
Larry's commitment to Chowan athletics is unmatched. A loyal Brave Hawks Club member and mentor to countless student-athletes, he can be found cheering at nearly every home game and traveling to many away contests to support his beloved Hawks. His passion and generosity have left a lasting imprint on the Chowan community. A community built on love, loyalty, and leadership.
A 1969 graduate of Calvin Scott Brown High School in Winton, N.C., and a 1971 graduate of Roanoke-Chowan Community College (then Roanoke-Chowan Technical Institute) with an A.A.S. degree in Business Administration, Larry built a successful career in the industrial and manufacturing sector. He worked as a control board operator for North Carolina Nitrogen Complex (Farmers Chemical) and International Paper (Union Camp), later serving as a supervisor for Kerr Glass (Berry Plastics) and Resinal Corporation.
Following the 2010 closure of International Paper, Larry's lifelong love of learning led him back to Roanoke-Chowan Community College to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education. In 2012, he joined Hertford County Public Schools as an Instructional Assistant at Riverview Elementary School, where he served with distinction until his retirement in 2018. Even after retiring, Larry continued his impact as a long-term substitute and math tutor at Ahoskie Elementary before officially retiring from education in 2022.
Beyond the classroom and the stands, Larry has been a pillar in his community. He has served on the Murfreesboro Planning and Recreation Boards, volunteered with Hertford County Schools, coached youth baseball and T-ball in North Carolina and Virginia, and even contributed to bringing Nucor Steel Mill to Hertford County. On Friday nights, he can often be found posting Hertford County High School Bears football stats on MaxPreps. His community spirit even landed him in a CVS Pharmacy commercial, further highlighting his infectious energy and goodwill.
Larry and his wife, Selena, make their home in Murfreesboro, where they are active members of First Baptist Church, and Larry serves faithfully as a Deacon.
Guided by his personal motto, "The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win," a quote by Kobe Bryant, Larry Carter has spent a lifetime inspiring others through service, faith, and school pride.
Don Donatello
Golf
1990-1993
Don Donatello is a distinguished professional golfer and seasoned PGA Tour caddy with an impressive career spanning over three decades. A graduate of then-Chowan College in 1993, Don played on the golf team and achieved remarkable records, finishing 59-1 and 60-1 over two years and securing eight tournament wins. Despite receiving multiple NCAA Division 1 scholarship offers after his stellar career at Chowan, he chose to turn professional, amassing over 70 tournament victories and setting 14 course records.
Don's television presence began with an audition for the Golf Channel's "Big Break," where he emerged as the runner-up among 10,000 applicants. His performances on various Golf Channel shows, including "Big Break 4" and "Big Break 7," showcased his golfing talent and his on-air charisma, earning him significant accolades and prizes.To date, Big Break 2 has the best rating of any show the Golf Channel has ever aired.
His international acclaim was further solidified through a top 5 performance on the show, "Golf with Style", at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. His top performance in that show earned him an invitation to "Golf with Style" Part II, in Melbourne, Australia, where he claimed the title.
Don has had a remarkable career as a PGA caddy. He has surpassed 550 total events on the PGA Tour as a caddy, collaborating with top players like Chris DiMarco, Webb Simpson, Andy Bean, Kevin Na, JJ Henry, Billy Horschel, and Alex Smalley.
Beyond the greens, he has been a dedicated member of Lifeway Church in Sanford, Florida, for over 15 years. Don shares his life with his college sweetheart, Cheryl, marking 34 years together and 27 years of marriage. They are proud parents of two children and doting grandparents to two grandchildren.
Don attributes much of his success to Chowan College, specifically acknowledging the invaluable support of Professor Patsy Taylor and Coach William Sowell.
Thad Forehand
Basketball
1994-1998
Thad Forehand came to Chowan in the fall of 1994 after being recruited by then-head coach, Bob Burke, from nearby Camden, North Carolina. During his time at Chowan, Thad distinguished himself as one of the program's most accomplished players, earning a place in the program's rich athletic history.
He ranks 12th all-time in points scored, with a total of 1,034 points. In addition, he is 7th in three-pointers made, boasting an impressive 142 made three-pointers, and holds the 2nd spot for the most three-pointers in a single game, with a record of eight. His prowess on the court further extends to his ranking 10th in career rebounds, with 448, and 9th in career blocks with 73 career blocks. His exceptional performance did not go unnoticed, as he was honored with the title of Chowan's 1997–98 Male Athlete of the Year. Thad earned the honors of being named to the All Chowan NCAA DIII Basketball team for his contributions on the court.
Following his successful collegiate career, Thad pursued basketball on a professional level, playing for two years in Denmark. This international experience enriched his understanding of the game and allowed him to hone his skills further. After concluding his professional basketball career, Thad settled in his hometown of Camden, North Carolina.
Professionally, Thad has transitioned into a successful career as an accountant. He currently works with JW Jones Lumber Company in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. His experience and background in business administration has also led him to explore opportunities in real estate, a field he has been involved in since 2017. Thad's commitment to his career and family, along with his enduring passion for basketball, continues to define his life and achievements. He is an active member of the Brave Hawks Club and was teammates with current head men's basketball coach, Rob Burke.
Thad has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 23 years. Together they have two children, Blair and Blaze. The family resides in Camden, North Carolina.
Taylor Furlough
Baseball - Player and Coach
2001-2005
Taylor Furlough entered Chowan College in the Fall of 2001 from Columbia High School in Columbia, North Carolina. During his undergraduate years, he was a four-year letter winner in both football and baseball, serving as a three-year captain of the football team and a two-year captain of the baseball program. Taylor was recruited by Chowan University Hall of Fame namesake, Jim Garrison.
On the gridiron, Furlough set seven program records as quarterback for the Braves and was a multiple-time USA South Conference Player of the Week. He entered the Chowan record books for career records (total touchdowns, passing touchdowns and all-purpose yards), season (total touchdowns), and single-game performances (passing yards, completions, and passing touchdowns). Due to his career accomplishments, Taylor was named to Chowan University's All Division III team in 2020.
On the diamond, Furlough was a four-year member of the Braves' pitching staff, culminating in a record-setting senior campaign in which he posted the lowest single-season ERA (1.20) in program history. His outstanding performance earned him NCCAA All-American honors in 2005, and he helped lead his team to a fifth-place finish at the NCCAA World Series in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The year prior, he was part of the 2004 team that finished runner-up in the conference tournament under Chowan Hall of Fame Coach Steve Flack.
After completing his playing career, Furlough joined the Chowan football staff as an assistant coach for two seasons, working with offensive skill positions. In the spring of 2008, he began his full-time coaching career with the baseball program as pitching coach. That season, the team set a program record with 36 wins and earned another berth in the NCCAA World Series, finishing sixth nationally.
In July 2011, Furlough was named Head Baseball Coach at Chowan University, a position he held for 11 seasons. In 2016, he guided the Hawks to their first NCAA Division II Tournament appearance in Reading, Pennsylvania, following a CIAA Championship title in Cary, North Carolina. After the 2017 season, he was honored as the CIAA Baseball Coach of the Year. On March 25, 2022, Furlough surpassed his former coach, Aaron Carroll, to become Chowan's all-time leader in career coaching victories during the NCAA era, finishing with 193 wins.
Under his leadership, the Chowan baseball program produced three NCAA All-Americans, 12 All-Region selections, and 25 All-Conference players, including 2019 Conference Carolinas Player of the Year Marquise Lanier. Furlough also recruited and developed minor league players Tyler Burden, Chowan's first MLB draft pick in two decades and Shane Rademacher during his tenure.
Academically, Furlough earned his Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Chowan in 2006, where he was the recipient of the Acheson Harden Mathematics Award for highest GPA among underclassman mathematics majors and also awarded Top Senior Mathematics Graduate Award. He completed his Master's Degree in Sports Management in 2011 and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Global Sports Leadership through East Tennessee State University.
Furlough currently serves as the Director of Admissions at Chowan University, continuing his commitment to leadership, student success, and the growth of the Chowan community. Taylor is happily married to Chowan University graduate, Stephanie Furlough, and resides in Murfreesboro with his two daughters, Lennox and Landry, and son Lincoln.
Callie Kelly
Volleyball
2009-2013
Callie Armistead Kelly arrived on Chowan's campus in the fall of 2009 and made an immediate impact on the Chowan volleyball team. As a freshman, Callie "set" herself apart from the competition, setting for some of the best hitters that Chowan has seen in the NCAA D2 era. Callie set the single season assists record in her first season of play after ending the year with 1,159 assists. From her freshman year it was clear she would play an integral role on both the volleyball court for the Hawks and on campus for her academic excellence and leadership.
Callie was a four-year member of the Chowan Volleyball program from 2009-2012. During her career, Callie helped the program to a 99-38 overall record including 63-4 mark in CIAA action, four CIAA Northern Division Titles, two CIAA Tournament Championships, two NCAA Atlantic Regional appearances, and four appearances in the CIAA Tournament Finals. The 2009 team produced a 29-9 overall record, the best in program history.
Callie's resume puts her in elite company at Chowan holding the most assists in program history with 3,843 including 1,159 in a single season during the 2009 season and 62 assists during a match against St. Augustine's in 2011. Armistead was named 2009 NCCAA All-American Second Team, 2009 NCCAA All-South Region Second Team, four-time All-CIAA including three First Team selections, 2009 CIAA Rookie Team, two-time CIAA All-Tournament, two-time Preseason All-CIAA, and three-time CIAA All-Academic.Callie was selected to the Chowan Volleyball All-Division II team as a setter. Callie's name is listed at the top of the Chowan volleyball program's record book in single season assists, career assists, and career matches and sets played.
Callie was active in the Criminal Justice Club while on campus and served as the club's historian. Callie graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice in May of 2013 as one of the most decorated volleyball players in program history.
After graduating from Chowan, Callie married her college sweetheart, Brandon Kelly. They reside in New London, North Carolina, with their 5-year-old son, Sawyer. Callie currently works in Compliance Operations for Checkr, a large background check company. She remains closely connected with her former teammates and cherishes the lifelong friendships built during her time at Chowan.
