Credit: AJC/HYOSUB SHIN
Credit: AJC/HYOSUB SHIN
Since he first set foot on campus at the age of 17, Bowman has been associated with the institution.
He earned a degree in mathematics in 1992 and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Omega Psi Phi Fraternities. His wife, Cynthia Bowman, graduated from the nearby all-female HBCU, Spelman College. While one of their boys is presently attending, the other is a recent Morehouse graduate.
He coached Morehouse students while he was a professor at Emory University before moving on to Columbia University as a department chair. Additionally, he created a pipeline program for Morehouse and Spelman colleges while serving as dean of the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
He claimed that the presidential position, which became available following David A. Thomas’s retirement, had “many, many points of connection that would make the opportunity resonate with me.” And one that, in my opinion, was really captivating.
Bowman is assuming the position at a time when college presidents nationwide are experiencing unusual circumstances. Federal grants that many schools rely on have been terminated by the administration of President Donald Trump. Research indicates that Morehouse has lost over $1 million as a result of the termination of at least three grants.
Bowman stated that his decision to seek the Morehouse opportunity was not much influenced by that federal situation. However, he was also aware of it. Grants totaling around $13 million were canceled at the Michigan institution he managed. He also holds a master’s and doctoral degree in biostatistics, and federal funding played a major role in his studies of diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
He said that our system of higher education has been largely responsible for the United States’ leadership in biomedical research and innovative developments in health interventions. I believe there is a great deal at stake.
Bowman plans to concentrate on improving the student experience throughout his time there. In order to expand the campus’s area and boost enrollment, he plans to build new buildings and renovate existing ones. More than 2,400 students attend Morehouse. “We’ll take a measured approach to growth,” he stated. However, the ability to grow is undoubtedly a requirement.
Miguel Martinez-Jimenez is credited.
Miguel Martinez-Jimenez is credited.
It will be aided by a 324-bed residence hall that should be finished next year. The $500 million Making Men of Consequence Campaign is funding it; earlier this year, the fundraising campaign surpassed the $320 million milestone.
Bowman is regularly requested to take pictures with onlookers as she walks around campus. Bowman claims that many graduates feel compelled to participate in the pomp that accompanies being named president of an institution. He sees his presidency as an opportunity to accomplish that.
“This was one of the ways that I felt I could go back and help to support and serve the institution, given my academic pathway,” he stated.
