Capital University Enters Final Phase To Permanent Presidency
On Thursday, Feb. 22, the Capital University Board of Trustees voted to forgo a national search and moved to the final step in naming Interim President Dr. Denvy A. Bowman the 15th president of the university.
Spending the day in executive session, the trustees discussed the findings of the Board Taskforce on the Path to a Permanent Presidency. In recent weeks, the taskforce completed a comprehensive review of Bowman’s performance, including confidential interviews with nearly 50 faculty and staff members, alumni, students and community members regarding the state of the university under Bowman’s leadership.
Based on the overwhelming confidence in Bowman reflected in the taskforce’s report, and in his performance as interim president, the board also expressed its unanimous support for Bowman. In place of a national presidential search, the board will enter the final phase of selection, which will welcome collaborative and open dialogue within the university community. The trustees will partner with Bowman to facilitate the dialogue.
“This process complements Dr. Bowman’s collaborative style,” said Board Chairman Roger Davis. “Throughout his career, Dr. Bowman has demonstrated strong leadership. At Capital, he has instilled positive change in campus culture while building mutual trust and respect.”
“As an educator, I encourage open dialogue. I am pleased to work with the board and honored to be the candidate for the presidency of this respected university,” Bowman said.
On March 29, the board will reconvene to hold the election for the presidency.
Bowman is a proven leader, respected academician and a lifelong Lutheran. He was named Capital’s interim president in June 2006, and has been the overwhelming candidate of choice in two national searches for top positions at Capital University. In summer 2003, he was named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. As dean of Capital’s largest college, Bowman demonstrated academic and administrative leadership that, nearly three years later, made him the unanimous choice for provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Capital.
Along with positive culture change, Bowman has implemented plans to restore balance to the operating budget by fiscal year 2007-2008; improved financial reporting; initiated the development of a strategic enrollment management plan; and established a program prioritization committee to foster academic quality and administrative efficiency across all university programs.