Robin E. Bowen (née Hayes) is an American academic who served as president of

Arkansas Tech University Arkansas Tech University (ATU) is a public university in Russellville, Arkansas. The university offers programs at both baccalaureate and graduate levels in a range of fields. The Arkansas Tech University–Ozark Campus, a two-year satellite cam ...

from 2014 to 2023. Bowen grew up in Carl Junction, Missouri, the daughter of Judy and Eugene Hayes. Her father operated a service station, but after he was disabled by

lead poisoning Lead poisoning, also known as plumbism and saturnism, is a type of metal poisoning caused by lead in the body. The brain is the most sensitive. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, constipation, headaches, irritability, memory problems, inferti ...

the family was forced to rely on her mother's teaching job for income. Bowen attended Carl Junction High School, and then went on to complete a

B.Sc. A Bachelor of Science (BS, BSc, SB, or ScB; from the Latin ') is a bachelor's degree awarded for programs that generally last three to five years. The first university to admit a student to the degree of Bachelor of Science was the University of ...

at the

University of Kansas The University of Kansas (KU) is a public research university with its main campus in Lawrence, Kansas, United States, and several satellite campuses, research and educational centers, medical centers, and classes across the state of Kansas. Tw ...

(in occupational therapy) and a

M.Sc. A Master of Science ( la, Magisterii Scientiae; abbreviated MS, M.S., MSc, M.Sc., SM, S.M., ScM or Sc.M.) is a master's degree in the field of science awarded by universities in many countries or a person holding such a degree. In contrast to ...

at the

University of Arkansas The University of Arkansas (U of A, UArk, or UA) is a public land-grant research university in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System and the largest university in the state. Founded as Arkansas ...

(in rehabilitation counseling). After a number of years as a lecturer, she returned to school to complete a

D.Ed. The Doctor of Education (Ed.D. or D.Ed.; Latin ''Educationis Doctor'' or ''Doctor Educationis'') is (depending on region and university) a research or professional doctoral degree that focuses on the field of education. It prepares the holder for a ...

Texas Tech University Texas Tech University (Texas Tech, Tech, or TTU) is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas. Established on , and called Texas Technological College until 1969, it is the main institution of the five-institution Texas Tech University Sys ...

, writing a thesis on women in college administration.Profile of the new president
''The Courier'', August 8, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2017. After completing her doctorate, Bowen took up a position at

Rockhurst University Rockhurst University is a private Jesuit university in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1910 as Rockhurst College, Rockhurst University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It enrolled 2,980 students in 2019. History In 1909, Fr. ...

, Missouri, becoming dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. She was later vice president for academic affairs at

Washburn University Washburn University (WU) is a public university in Topeka, Kansas, United States. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional programs in law and business. Washburn has 550 faculty members, who teach more than 6,100 u ...

and interim provost at

Donnelly College Donnelly College is a private Catholic college in Kansas City, Kansas. The college offers bachelor's, associate degrees, and Nursing certifications. It is the only college or university in the state designated as a Hispanic-serving institution ...

, both in Kansas. In 2011, Bowen was appointed vice-president for academic affairs at

Fitchburg State University Fitchburg State University (Fitchburg State) is a public university in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. It has 3,421 undergraduate and 1,238 graduate/continuing education students, for a total student body enrollment of 4,659. The university offers und ...

, Massachusetts. She was elevated to provost and executive vice-president in 2013. In April 2014, Bowen was elected president of Arkansas Tech by the university board of trustees. She began her term on July 1, becoming the first female president of a public four-year university in Arkansas. On September 9, 2023, the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees voted unanimously to fire Bowen and appoint Russell Jones as interim president. Dr. Bowen had been on medical leave since July 7 and was recovering from surgery.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bowen, Robin Women heads of universities and colleges People from Jasper County, Missouri University of Kansas alumni University of Arkansas alumni Texas Tech University alumni Rockhurst University faculty Fitchburg State University Presidents of Arkansas Tech University American academic administrators Living people Year of birth missing (living people)

See also

References