The Board of Trustees of Goucher College has unanimously chosen José Antonio Bowen as the liberal arts college's 11th president, effective July 1, 2014. Bowen is currently serving as the dean, professor of music, and the Algur H. Meadows Chair at the Southern Methodist University's (SMU) Meadows School of the Arts.
The national award-winning educator will succeed Sanford J. Ungar, who will step down June 30 after serving in the top administrative job since July 2001.
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Presidential Search Committee, and, indeed, all members of the Goucher community, we believe Dr. Bowen is the right candidate who has come along at the exact right time to build on Sandy's legacy and lead our college into its next phase of excellence," Norma Lynn Fox, chair of the Board of Trustees, said in a statement.
Gowen has overall earned four degrees from Stanford University: a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, a Master of Arts in music composition, a Master of Arts in humanities, and a joint doctorate in musicology and humanities.
"Goucher College is a paragon of the liberal arts and sciences tradition, but it also is a place that has boldly embraced big, new ideas in education, such as its comprehensive study abroad requirement. Goucher truly is in a strong position, thanks to Sandy Ungar's vision and leadership." Bowen said.
The author of 'Teaching Naked' aims to transform individual students' lives and change people's perception about value and uses of the liberal arts.
"I am delighted and honored to be succeeded by José Bowen, an eminent educator, brilliant jazz performer, and deep thinker on the value of the liberal arts," said Ungar. "I believe that he and the magnificent, successful place that is Goucher are an excellent match for each other."
