Chowan initially entered the CIAA as a football-only member, continuing its membership at the NCAA Division II-level.

In October 2008, the CIAA's board of trustees voted to accept Chowan as a full member.

Chowan then became the first non-HBCU member of the CIAA, participating in all sports beginning with the 2009–2010 academic year.

Coach Jim Garrison was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.

[2] Bob Burke, "all-time winningest coach in Chowan's basketball history," had a 337–124 record.