In a state first, woman hired to run college

Tech celebrates selection of Massachusetts educator

RUSSELLVILLE - The announcement Tuesday that Robin Bowen was named the 12th president of Arkansas Tech University marked the first time a woman has been at the helm of a public four year university in Arkansas.

Gov. Mike Beebe - who flew in on a helicopter for the special ceremony Tuesday - told the crowd that while Bowen’s gender was not the reason she was hired, her appointment was “breaking another ceiling” in Arkansas.

Bowen, 54, was selected for the position by a unanimous vote after the university’s board of trustees interviewed four finalists, who were whittled down from 35 applicants.

She will succeed Robert Brown, who will officially retire June 30 after 21 years as the university’s president.

Bowen said during the ceremony that she was both humbled and honored to have been selected, and she commended the search committee for its “beautiful job.” She elicited laughter from the crowd when she quipped, tongue-in cheek, “I think you made a good decision.”

Currently the executive vice president and provost at Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts, Bowen will officially take the helm at Arkansas Tech on July 1.

Bowen also has worked in administration at Donnelly College in Kansas, Washburn University in Kansas and at Rockhurst University in Missouri.

A native of Carl Junction, Mo., Bowen earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Kansas and a master’s in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She earned a doctorate in higher education administration from Texas Tech University.

Trustee Leigh Whiteside said after Tuesday’s public announcement that she was excited that a woman was chosen to lead the university.It was Bowen’s professional merit, however, that earned her the unanimous vote of the board and overwhelming approval from the faculty, students and community, Whiteside added.

“She was the most-qualified to lead us into the future,” Whiteside said. “She has great ideas. I am tickled to death that we have her.”

Indeed, hundreds of students, faculty and community members stood in lines that curved onto the lawn and around the corner to greet Bowen at a reception immediately after Tuesday’s announcement.

“It’s a pretty exciting day,” said Cathi McMahan, head of the parks, recreation and hospitality department at the college. “She’s an awesome lady and a wonderful leader, so full of personality and charisma.”

Hillary Quinn, a junior political science major at the college, called the announcement a “beautiful opportunity” and said Bowen’s appointment was exciting given that men typically dominate university leadership positions.

“I’m excited to see the new changes. I just hate it that I only have one year left,” Quinn said.

Meranda Henderson, a sophomore psychology/sociology major, stood in line for an hour Tuesday to get Bowen’s autograph on an issue of the college’s newspaper featuring Bowen and the other three finalists.

“It’s amazing to finally have a female president,” she said. “She shows women that you can break through, even when men have a monopoly in the university world. I don’t know how, but I have a good feeling about her.”

Department of Higher Education Director Shane Broadway commended Brown’s service to Arkansas Tech and said Bowen is “walking in with a lot of great things already occurring.”

“Dr. Bowen will be a tremendous asset for Arkansas Tech. This is a bit of a historical day in Arkansas,” Broadway said.

Brown said the board of trustees made an “exceptionally fine choice” with Bowen’s background, experience and personable demeanor.

“She is well-capable of carrying out the mission of Arkansas Tech and comes in with all of our well wishes - especially mine,” Brown said.

Bowen’s three-year contract with the university places her salary at $224,000 per year with fringe benefits that include a $1,500 monthly housing allowance, reimbursement of moving expenses, a $650 monthly vehicle allowance and automatic tenure at the faculty rank of professor.

The university also will pay a $2,000 monthly transition payment to Bowen from July 1 until Dec. 31 or until her home in Massachusetts is sold, whichever occurs first.

Brown had a base salary of $249,999.96 and received fringe benefits including a $1,500 housing allowance.

A contract for Brown supplied by the university Tuesday gives Brown the option of taking a year’s sabbatical commencing July 1, during which he will be paid a full salary with benefits. Brown will be available during the leave for consultation with the board and to represent the college at public events as requested.

Brown has agreed to return to the college after the year’s leave for at least one more academic year in which he will serve as “president emeritus” and as a distinguished professor of economics.

Bowen said in an interview after the celebration that her first order of business will be to listen to faculty, students and the community about the direction in which they would like to take Arkansas Tech in the future.

“I want to get a good sense of what they think is important,” she said. “I am very fortunate to be following Dr. Brown in his tradition of excellence.”

Arkansas, Pages 9 on 04/23/2014

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