Terry Martin Bowen

Terry Martin Bowen, associate professor of political science at the University of North Florida, died tragically on August 5, 2003 in a car crash. He was 41 years old and is survived by his wife, Naina, and two sons, Calab and Conrad.

Terry received his B.A. and M.A. in political science from Auburn University in 1984 and 1987. He was awarded his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1992. Soon after graduating, Terry joined the department of political science and public administration at the University of North Florida where he stayed until his untimely death.

Terry Bowen's most significant scholarly interest was in the area of public law with special attention to judicial policy and public administration. His publications ranged from voting behavior of freshmen justices on the U.S. Supreme Court to citizen surveys of waste recycling programs. He was an inspired teacher. Terry was the recipient of the Teaching Incentive Program at the University of North Florida in 1996 and was nominated for Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher in 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998. He was much beloved by his students. One student remarked that without “Dr. Bowen I would not have a real passion for the world, the people in it, and how I can better it.” Another student said that he took an interest in everyone's life and made students feel special. “With his Southern charm, quick wit, and love of students, I often forgot I was in the classroom. Class with Dr. Bowen was a frank discussion among friends.”

Perhaps Terry's greatest contribution was his leadership of faculty and friends and his tenacity in pursuing fairness and justice in everything he did. He was instinctively recognized among his peers as a natural leader. Terry never lost his simple, unadorned working class style in a wide range of leadership positions—big and small. He remained in touch with his impoverished upbringing and while he was passionate, he never bore grudges or hardened his heart toward others.

His many leadership positions included, faculty association president, member of the university board of regents, director of the University's Institute of Government, and faculty representative to the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Terry died the day before he was to take over chairing the department.

Terry Bowen brought with him the same passion for justice and equity in everything he did. For example, he played a key role in the new board of regent's selection of an excellent, new president of the University. He also led a group of parents to battle local middle school administrators to reverse an unjust decision to expel a group of students.

Terry was a devoted husband and father to his two teenage sons. He was widely respected and loved by those who knew him. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will remain as someone who overcame great obstacles in life and made an enduring contribution to the university, his colleagues, students, and his many friends and acquaintances.