Congratulations are in order for public health leader, Dr. F. DuBois Bowman. On Tuesday (May 13), Morehouse named the renowned biostatistician the 13th president of the Atlanta-based HBCU. Dr. Bowman will assume the role on July 15, succeeding President David A. Thomas, who began his tenure in 2018.
Dr. Bowman’s career story
Dr. Bowman, a distinguished authority in the statistical analysis of complex, large-scale data, became dean of the University of Michigan School of Public Health in 2018. Since taking the helm, Dr. Bowman spearheaded a bold interdisciplinary research initiative focused on addressing critical public health challenges, including firearm injury prevention, urban health equity, infectious disease control, and the advancement of health equity.
According to the University of Michigan School of Public Health website, under Dr. Bowman’s guidance, the school’s research funding has grown to exceed $100 million annually. He also oversaw the enhancement and expansion of academic programs at the university that currently serves more than 1,200 students.
Dr. Bowman is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and a fellow of both the American Statistical Association and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. For Bowman, a 1992 graduate of Morehouse College, this marks a full-circle moment in his journey as a public health leader. A proud member of Phi Beta Kappa and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he has remained deeply engaged with his alma mater—not only as a two-time Morehouse parent but also as a mentor and advocate.
He has played a key role in creating a pipeline program connecting students from Morehouse and Spelman Colleges to opportunities at the University of Michigan. In recognition of his contributions, Bowman received Morehouse’s highest alumni honor in 2019, the Bennie Trailblazer Award, named after the College’s sixth president, Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays. The award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields and have served as positive role models for others.
“Returning to Morehouse as its 13th president is the honor of a lifetime,” Dr. Bowman said in a statement. “This institution shaped who I am—instilling a commitment to excellence, justice, and impact. I am excited to partner with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters to build on our legacy and write the next chapter of Morehouse’s transformative story.”
Willie Woods, the chairman of the Morehouse College Board of Trustees, called the former Columbia University and Emory University educator a “visionary.” Woods expressed his excitement to see how Dr. Bowman will continue to shape and impact Morehouse as president.
“Dr. Bowman’s record of visionary leadership, his deep commitment to academic excellence, and his lifelong dedication to Morehouse make him the ideal choice to lead the college into its next era,” Woods shared. “He brings an extraordinary blend of intellectual rigor, strategic thinking, and values-driven leadership.”
According to 11Alive, President Thomas will step down in June. Prior to the announcement of Dr. Bowman as his successor, the 68-year-old shared with the outlet that he felt the time was right for a transition, a generational shift in leadership that will hopefully breathe new life into Morehouse.
“I think it’s time for the baby boomers to leave this stage,” he added. “The generation behind us has new ideas, new ways of engaging.”