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Friends, colleagues celebrate former School of Social Work dean

by Matthew Smith

For nearly 40 years, Gary Bowen has been a fixture of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work.

The Kenan Distinguished Professor, former dean and accomplished academic retires in December after joining the University in 1985, but not before the School had the opportunity to celebrate his career.

Former University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work Dean Gary Bowen speaks during his retirement ceremony. Bowen has spent nearly 40 years with the School.
Former University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work Dean Gary Bowen speaks during his retirement ceremony. Bowen has spent nearly 40 years with the School.
 Last week, family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Carolina Inn to recognize Bowen’s impact on the School, including his administrative, teaching and scholarly accomplishments.

“His legacy is way beyond Carolina,” said Dean Ramona Denby-Brinson. “Gary put in the hard work to help grow a solid program into a nationally respected — and indeed, nationally leading, School of Social Work.

“Thank you for all that you have done to make the School one of the top places for research, for scholarship and for public service in the nation.”

Bowen and the crowd heard from more than a dozen speakers, ranging from current faculty to former students and even his doctoral mentor, spanning his nearly four-decade long career.

“I have people in my life that are hard to live up to their measurement,” Bowen said. “They’ve set the bar really high, but I hope, and I heard some statements tonight, that I maybe did make a difference in some people’s lives … I hope that each one of those people carry it forward. Pay it forward.”

As dean, Bowen led initiatives in anti-racism and social justice and supported enhanced opportunities for research and innovation within the school. That led to the creation of the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab, the Global Social Development Innovations research center, and the Collaborative for Implementation Practice.

Bowen, left, was presented with an American flag flown in his honor at the University. Much of his research included military families.
Bowen, left, was presented with an American flag flown in his honor at the University. Much of his research included military families.
 Bowen worked extensively with the U.S. military across a range of mental health and social services issues, consulting with military policymakers, researchers and practitioners. His work includes a 1999 landmark study on community life in the U.S. Air Force, which examined how formal and informal supports play a role in achieving work and family balance.

Bowen was presented with an American flag that was flown in his honor on campus from retired Air Force Lt. Col. Rachel Foster, a 2008 graduate of the school’s doctoral program. He was also honored with a flag that flew over the Pentagon in his honor, and he received an honorary citation from the Department of the Air Force for his service and support of military families. Finally, Bowen was gifted a framed photo of UNC’s Old Well and, in perfect retirement fashion, a rocking chair.

Former Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Bob Blouin said it was impressive the way Bowen navigated the school during challenging times.

“ … these have been some challenging times and these challenging times have had a rather significant social justice overlay to them, which touches your school probably more than any school on campus,” Blouin said. “Sometimes the life of a dean is a challenging one, particularly in these days. And sometimes you don’t realize how much these issues affect people who care. And so, Gary, that is your legacy. You have touched so many; you have given so much. You have done that in a generous and selfless way.”

Additional speakers included colleagues Travis Albritton, Mimi Chapman, Allison Metz, Todd Jensen, Gary Nelson, Jay Mancini, Dennis Orthner, Mark Testa, Jim Martin and Mark Fraser; former dean Jack Richman; and School Board of Advisors member John Tate III.

Check out more photos from the event and hear from Bowen’s colleagues about his impact on the School.

I have worked with Gary for 31 years. He is thoughtful and caring and kind. He has the best laugh! Loves his family and friends. He is a hard worker and has great organizational skills getting things done. I am going to miss him, but he deserves some time to enjoy the beach with Donna and relax. So honored to call him my friend.

— Executive Assistant Cindy Justice

Working alongside Gary has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional life. Our experiences working together will undoubtedly shape and enrich my entire career. I am wishing him an incredibly fulfilling and happy retirement—it is so well deserved.

— Assistant Professor Todd Jensen

Thanks for the hard work, vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication you gave the SSW during your career and deanship. It was a pleasure to work beside someone who embodied compassion, kindness, and humanity. Best of luck in your retirement!

— Director of Planning and Operations Dana Caudill

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