Juniata College Names Lauren Bowen, Associate VP, John Carroll University, as Next Provost
(Posted April 23, 2014)
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HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Lauren Bowen, associate academic vice president for student learning initiatives and diversity at John Carroll University, has been named provost at Juniata College effective July 1.
Bowen has been a higher education administrator for seven years at John Carroll University, in University Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland after joining the faculty as an assistant professor of political science in 1989. She has been an associate vice president at the university since 2007.
"Lauren Bowen emerged as the person best prepared to lead Juniata during this important time in our history," says James A. Troha, president of Juniata College. "The depth of experience and broad skill set she brings to the provost position is exceptional, including a comprehensive understanding of the many complexities facing higher education today. I look forward to the many contributions she will bring to our college."
In her current role, Bowen is tasked with strengthening the student experience at John Carroll, which includes chairing the Diversity Steering Committee, helping implement a Learning Commons and academic support center, developing programs to foster student success and strengthening major fellowship advising. As part of her work related to the student experience, she oversees the university's honors program, the Center for Career Services and helps coordinate the Early College Program.
Bowen also works with John Carroll's academic departments to recruit faculty from historically underrepresented populations and work to retain those faculty. She also works with faculty, administrators, students and staff to ensure an inclusive campus environment.
"I am looking forward to being part of a college that challenges and supports students by encouraging them to ask critical questions, and to find their gifts and passions. Juniata's commitment to experiential education appealed to me because it's a dynamic curriculum that is grounded in the liberal arts tradition and yet contemporary. I was struck by how an education at Juniata empowers graduates to leave the world better than they found it."
Lauren Bowen, associate vice president, John Carroll Universit
"I am looking forward to being part of a college that challenges and supports students by encouraging them to ask critical questions, and to find their gifts and passions," says Bowen. "Juniata's commitment to experiential education appealed to me because it's a dynamic curriculum that is grounded in the liberal arts tradition and yet contemporary. I was struck by how an education at Juniata empowers graduates to leave the world better than they found it."
From 2007 to 2012, Bowen was the university's associate academic vice president for faculty programs and diversity, where she collaborated in introducing new academic programs and coordinated interdisciplinary programs.
"Dr. Bowen brings with her an 'ethos of generosity' and a commitment to hard work and collaboration," says Donna Weimer, professor of communication and co-chair of the provost search committee. "The committee is extremely pleased that our new provost has the leadership skills necessary to advocate for faculty and students and a vital dedication to the Liberal Arts."
Bowen began her career in higher education in 1989 as assistant professor of political science and was promoted to associate professor in 1995. She was named director of John Carroll's Center for Excellence in Teaching in 1997 until 2000. In 2000, she was named an American Council on Education Fellow at the College of Wooster for a one-year appointment where she primarily worked in diversity issues.
In 2001 she returned to the faculty as chair in political science, where she managed the department, worked on recruiting, mentoring and evaluating faculty and strategic planning. In 2005 she was named director of John Carroll's Core Curriculum in the Liberal Arts and oversaw the implementation of the first-year seminar program.
Bowen earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 1984 from Ohio State University. She went on to earn a master's degree in political science in 1987 and a doctorate in 1992, both from the University of Kentucky.
Her academic research focuses in the impact in implementation of judicial decisions, as well as how state courts interact with state legislatures and affirmative action issues. Bowen's teaching interests have centered in the politics of race, class and gender as well as constitutional politics.
Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.