USAO Foundation Board of Trustees Spotlight: Milton Bowens
Milton Bowens has spent his career encouraging and empowering students. As a member of the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma’s Foundation Board of Trustees, he brings that same dedication to advocating for higher education.
Born and raised in the Chickasha community, Bowens has always been deeply connected to the area USAO calls home. As the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Chickasha Public Schools, Bowens plays a significant role in supporting the academic growth of local students. His relationship with USAO’s President, Dr. Kayla Hale, stems from the meaningful conversations Dr. Hale has had with local school district leaders.
“I was already impressed with some of the changes Dr. Hale had started to make,” Bowens said. “The more I met the staff and saw the engagement, the more I was excited for students to step onto campus and start taking classes.”
Bowens’ passion for education stems from years of teaching and serving as an administrator. His time as a student at the University of Central Oklahoma, his teaching career in Oklahoma City, and as an education consultant, introduced him to diverse perspectives that shaped his approach to education.
“Even when I taught in OKC I would recommend USAO to my students just because I knew where they were in life and what their life experiences had been,” Bowens said. “I knew this was a safe campus physically and emotionally, so I felt this was a good place for them to grow and be nurtured. I’m proud that some of my students have found a community here.”
As a member of the Community Relations Committee, Bowens works to strengthen connections between USAO and the Chickasha and surrounding communities. His deep understanding of education and local roots allow him to bring unique value to the Foundation Board of Trustees. The USAO Foundation supports the university’s mission, and Bowens’ extensive experience in education makes him a vital advocate for students and their success.
“I enjoy that the board isn’t focused on image, it’s about students and their vision,” Bowens said. “Talking to students is the best way to get things done. It’s no secret higher ed is facing some challenges, but being on the board, I feel like I’m able to advocate and fight for Oklahoma education. I’ve served on many boards across the country, and it’s not always been the case that students are the priority. Here, I know they are.”
Bowens has seen firsthand how USAO’s environment and culture transforms students.
“I’ve had friends who, in high school, couldn’t figure out who they were, but as soon as they stepped foot here, it was like watching them come out of their shell,” he said. “They explored new ideas, stepped outside their comfort zone, and watched their core values evolve. It was amazing.”
Through his dedication to empowering students and advocating for higher education, Bowens continues to make a lasting impact at USAO and the greater Chickasha community.
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly -changing world.