MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Chowan University Athletics is proud to announce the promotions of three members of its athletics staff for the 2026-27 academic year. Scott Parker has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance, Presley Bissett has been promoted to Associate Head Softball Coach, and Alex Lewis has been promoted to Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach.
The promotions recognize the continued dedication, leadership and contributions of three individuals who have played important roles in the growth and development of Chowan Athletics and their individual sports. The decisions were made under the leadership of Chowan's Director of Athletics,Rob Burke, and Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, Meredith Long with the support of Chowan University President, Dr. Rosemary M. Thomas.
SCOTT PARKER – ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE
Parker enters his 24th year at Chowan University, bringing extensive experience in university administration and athletics operations. He began his career at Chowan in 2002 and has served in various administrative roles throughout his tenure, including Director of Admissions. He later transitioned to athletics, where he took on responsibilities involving internal operations and sponsorships, before returning to Admissions for the 2023-24 academic year and subsequently rejoining the athletics department.
Throughout his time with Chowan Athletics, Parker has overseen internal operations and athletic sponsorships while contributing to the department's daily administrative functions. In February 2026, he assumed the role of Interim Compliance Director while continuing his responsibilities in internal operations and sponsorships. In August 2026, Parker was officially appointed and announced as Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance, recognizing his experience, leadership and continued contributions to the department.
"Scott has proven himself a loyal and committed employee of the University," said Long. "He has stepped into the role of Director of Compliance in late Spring and has been running since he hit the ground. In an area that is critical to the overall success of the athletic department, Scott has flourished in this role to this point. We are excited about Scott's promotion to assistant athletic director and feel it is well-deserved."
PRESLEY BISSETT – ASSOCIATE HEAD SOFTBALL COACH
Bissett has been promoted to Associate Head Softball Coach after serving as an assistant coach for the Hawks. She will continue working alongside Head Coach William "Junior" Bailey, who is entering his fifth season leading the Chowan softball program.
"I'm thrilled to announce that Coach B Presley Bissett will now be our associate head coach. Presley has been an invaluable assistant to me for the past six years, and her maturity, loyalty, and dedication to both me and our program have been truly remarkable," stated Bailey.
"It's an honor to have her as a part of our coaching staff at Chowan University. Presley's exceptional skills extend beyond handling our pitchers; she also excels in all aspects of the game and the administration of a collegiate program."
The two coaches previously worked together at Barton College before joining Chowan, bringing an established coaching relationship and shared commitment to developing the program. Their work has helped the Hawks make strides within Conference Carolinas, highlighted by a strong finish to the 2026 season.
Chowan finished the 2026 campaign with a 32-20 overall record and a 17-11 mark in Conference Carolinas play, advancing to the semifinals of the Conference Carolinas Softball Championship. The Hawks improved on their 20-28 record from 2025, recording 12 more victories. The 2026 team also recorded 187 stolen bases, with Ava Mizell establishing a new program single-season record with 51 steals.
Beyond the team's success on the field, Bissett has made a lasting impact through her mentorship and commitment to student-athlete development. Her influence extends beyond competition, as she helps young women grow as players, students and leaders. Several former student-athletes have continued giving back to the game through coaching and involvement with softball leagues, reflecting the positive influence she has had on those in the program.
Her promotion recognizes both her contributions to the team's continued progress and the leadership she brings to the softball program moving forward.
ALEX LEWIS – ASSOCIATE HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
Lewis has been promoted to Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach ahead of the 2026-27 season. He joined the Chowan coaching staff in July 2024 as an assistant coach and is entering his third season with the Hawks. During his first two seasons, Lewis has played an important role in player development and the program's continued growth.
Since Lewis joined the staff, Chowan has compiled a combined 36-24 overall record and a 27-13 mark in Conference Carolinas play. The Hawks posted an 18-10 record in 2024-25 before finishing 18-14 in 2025-26. Last season, Chowan advanced to the Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Championship game for the first time in program history, marking a significant milestone for the program.
As Burke transitions into his role as Director of Athletics while continuing to lead the men's basketball program, Lewis will take on expanded responsibilities within the coaching staff. His promotion reflects the confidence placed in his leadership, his work with student-athletes and his continued preparation for greater responsibilities within the profession.
"I'm excited to see Alex take on this new role. With my day-to-day duties changing as I take on the role of Director of Athletics, Alex has had to take on a bigger role, which is also preparing him to be a head coach. That's why I felt confident in naming him our associate head men's basketball coach," stated Burke.
"He's worked really hard over the last three years, and throughout his career, to prepare himself for this opportunity. If you look at the growth of our team from the beginning of last year to where I think we'll be this season, he's had a major impact on skill development. He's had a major impact on the faith within our program, and he's had a major impact on our identity as a whole since joining us."
The promotions of Parker, Bissett and Lewis reflect Chowan Athletics' continued investment in its staff and its commitment to building a strong foundation for future success across the department.
