MPRINT: Endowment by David R. Bowen strengthens the MSU College of Arts and Sciences
Congressman David Bowen has spent his life serving others. From the halls of Congress to classrooms across Mississippi and now through a transformational gift to Mississippi State University, his lifelong belief in the power of education will continue to shape future generations.
By establishing the Congressman David R. Bowen Excellence Endowment and the Congressman David R. Bowen Endowed Scholarship in Political Science, Bowen’s gift will strengthen the College of Arts and Sciences, support liberal arts education and inspire students to lead with knowledge and purpose.
“I’ve always had close ties to Mississippi State,” Bowen said. “All of my Congressional papers are housed in the university’s Mitchell Memorial Library and MSU has always meant a great deal to me. I wanted to give back to a place that has been such an important part of my life.”
Born and raised in Cleveland, Miss., Bowen grew up surrounded by the values of hard work and education. His father and younger brother both graduated from Mississippi State, instilling an early admiration for the university that would later become such a significant part of his legacy.
“I grew up in a farming family,” Bowen said. “The subjects I liked in school were history, English and Latin — liberal arts-type subjects. They taught me how to think and communicate. That’s what led me down the path of education and public service.”
After graduating from Harvard University with a degree in history, Bowen earned a master’s in philosophy, politics and economics from Oxford University in England. He later returned home to Mississippi, where he began a teaching career that included Mississippi College, Millsaps College and eventually Mississippi State University, where he taught political science.
Bowen represented Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District from 1973 to 1983, establishing himself as a leader in agriculture, foreign policy and maritime affairs. As chair of the subcommittee on cotton, rice and sugar, he guided major agricultural legislation and later served on key committees shaping trade and environmental policy.
After leaving Congress, he led the Center for the National Interest, a Middle East foreign policy organization. Bowen then pursued writing, photography and political commentary. His plays, photography and international and national publications gained wide recognition. He continues to accept public speaking engagements and is an active member and past president of the Mississippi Historical Society. No matter how far his career took him, Bowen’s dedication to education never wavered.
“Throughout my time in Congress, I worked in agricultural, foregin policy and wildlife areas,” Bowen said. “I always came back to how important it is to have a strong liberal arts foundation. Technology changes fast, but the ability to think critically, write clearly and communicate effectively never goes out of style.”
The Congressman David R. Bowen Excellence Endowment will provide long-term support for seven departments within the College of Arts and Sciences: history, English, political science, communication, economics, philosophy and religion, and classical and modern languages and literatures. Additionally, the Congressman David R. Bowen Endowed Scholarship in Political Science will assist full-time students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and commitment to service.
Bowen encourages every student to explore the world beyond their comfort zone. His own worldview was shaped by his lifelong curiosity and extensive travels to more than 140 countries, many visited during his years in Congress and others through personal journeys.
“Travel is one of the greatest educational experiences there is,” Bowen said. “You don’t have to sign up for a course to learn, you just have to be curious about other people and cultures.”
Even in his later years, Bowen remains deeply engaged with the next generation. When asked what advice he would give to students hoping to follow in his footsteps of leadership and public service, his answer came easily – “Get involved,” he said. “Participate, be an active member of your community, your campus, your society.”
Bowen’s gift ensures his love for the liberal arts will continue to help future generations of Bulldogs learn, lead and serve. His gift reminds students true leadership begins with service to others and is strengthened by the ability to think critically, write clearly and communicate effectively.