First CCFA dean finalist, Jack Bowman, wants to ignite passion in students

Passion is just one of the things Jack Bowman wants to bring to Central Michigan University.

“In many respects, we’re here to help students find their passion,” Bowman said. “As a dean, I have a responsibility to the students.”

Bowman, dean of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, was a part of an open forum for the vacant position for dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts Thursday in Moore Hall’s Townsend Kiva.

Bowman explained that college is a place where students begin to explore their own desires, rather than their parents’.

Jill Taft-Kaufman, a communication and dramatic arts professor, said she was moved by his speech.

“I enjoyed it,” Taft-Kaufman said, “He seems to have passion for what he does.”

During the second portion of the forum, he kept an open ear to every question asked from both faculty and students alike, said Mary Ann Renz, another professor of communication and dramatic arts.

“He showed sensitivity when answering questions,” Renz said. “He seemed like he listens to what people’s needs are. He wanted people to ask questions.”

As soon as people began entering the auditorium, Bowman started wandering across the room, introducing himself to everyone individually.

“He had fine interpersonal engagement skills,” Taft-Kaufman said.

Bowman explained that students can’t be held to the same expectations today that they were when he went to school. He understands that times are changing and so are student needs.

“Students need flexibility,” Bowman said. “They need options in their programs.”

Bowman discussed topics ranging from student needs to the needs of faculty. He said faculty do not differ all that much from students. Both rely on assistance from higher-ups, he said.

Students need faculty, and the faculty need administrators. A student needs their professors to help them make it through the program and learn all they can, he said, the professor relies on the administration to give them the resources needed to help their students succeed.

“For faculty that have goals on what their programs can do,” Bowman said, “I can help them.”

As Bowman neared the end of the forum, he shared why he should be chosen as dean.

“I’m not a quitter,” Bowman said, “I don’t stop until we achieve what we need to do.”

The second and final forum will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Kiva for finalist Salma Ghanem.

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