Mentoring: Empowering Young Men of Promise
As President and Chair of the Alamance-Burlington Closing the Achievement GAP (GAP), Dr. Chapman has made it her mission to support minority male students through mentorship and academic enrichment. Under her leadership, GAP launched a school-based mentoring program at Broadview Middle School, now in its fourth year, with 18 mentors working closely with 20 seventh-grade boys. These mentors—local men of color—meet with students during the school day, offering guidance, encouragement, and exposure to career professionals, artists, and cultural experiences.
Dr. Chapman’s vision has helped shape programs like Running With Math, Boys Night, and Academic Excellence: 8th Grade to Graduation, all designed to close the equity gap and foster leadership, academic achievement, and self-confidence in young men of color. Her mentorship model is not only effective—it’s transformative.
Community Development: A Champion for Cultural and Educational Growth
Dr. Chapman’s impact on community development is both deep and wide. She has organized and moderated Black History Month Read-Ins at local libraries for nearly 30 years, enriching the cultural literacy of the community. She was instrumental in bringing Broadway-caliber performances like The Color Purple and Sister Act to Alamance County, offering residents access to world-class theater.
She also led the creation of the Joe and Odell Thompson sculptures at Mebane City Park, preserving the legacy of these iconic fiddlers and celebrating African American heritage. Her documentary work, including The Life and Times of Joe Thompson and The Closing of a School, further showcases her commitment to storytelling, history, and cultural preservation.
Philanthropy: Giving Time, Talent, and Heart
Dr. Chapman’s philanthropic spirit is evident in her tireless volunteerism and leadership. She has secured grants from the Alamance Arts Council, North Carolina and South Carolina Humanities Councils, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, channeling resources into educational and cultural initiatives.
She has also organized community events, such as the Juneteenth celebration in Mebane, and led efforts to reunite the Black and White descendants of the Murray family, fostering healing and historical understanding. Her work with the Mebane Museum, Friends of the Library, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. reflects a lifelong dedication to service and equity.
Business: Leading with Vision and Purpose
Though retired from full-time academia, Dr. Chapman continues to lead with the same vigor and vision that defined her career. As a Professor Emeritus at Elon University, she shaped generations of students through her work in English Composition, Rhetoric, and African Studies. She coordinated First-Year Writing, developed study abroad programs to Ghana, and presented nationally on literacy, African literature, and educational equity.
Her leadership of GAP as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit has brought structure, sustainability, and innovation to the organization. She has built partnerships, designed impactful programming, and ensured that GAP remains a vital force in the Alamance-Burlington community.
Dr. Iris Chapman’s life is a testament to the power of education, the importance of cultural heritage, and the transformative impact of mentorship. Her legacy is one of unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and empowerment. For these reasons and many more, Dr. Chapman is a shining example of what it means to Lead the Way.
