Al Bowman Appointed Executive Director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education

Al Bowman, president emeritus of Illinois State University (2003-13), has been appointed as the new executive director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). Tom Cross, IBHE Chair, said: “The Board is pleased Dr. Bowman has accepted our request that he take the helm of the IBHE at this time. He is an exemplary role model of a college educated Illinoisan, who earned a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University, and an undergraduate degree from Augustana College. His entire career in higher education has been carried out in Illinois, starting in 1978 as a member of the faculty at ISU.”

Bowman plans to address the Illinois college enrollment crisis. According to the IBHE, “The Board is currently engaged in a strategic process updating the Illinois Public Agenda for College and Career Success, and Dr. Bowman is being asked to lead the stakeholder engagement activities over the next several months resulting in a new plan looking forward from 2018.”