Remembering former Citadel psychology professor Daniel Oliver Bowman

July 28, 2023July 28, 2023 Faculty & Staff Featured

Former Citadel psychology professor Oliver Bowman

Daniel Oliver Bowman, Ph.D., joined The Citadel in 1963 and remained until he retired in 1996. During his tenure, he was responsible for creating the Department of Psychology, serving as the first head of the department and also developed The Citadel Counseling Center, which he directed until his retirement. Bowman also served as the first Director of Graduate Programs.

“Oliver’s contributions to The Citadel and, in particular, to the Department of Psychology are immeasurable. He was a colleague, mentor and friend, and he will be deeply missed by so many people whose lives he impacted,” said Chip Taylor, Ph.D., head of The Citadel’s Department of Psychology.

From The Post and Courier

Daniel Oliver Bowman, age 92, died July 25, 2023. He was born in Holly Hill, South Carolina on February 1, 1931, a son of the late John Daniel Bowman and Pansy Ellen Mizzell Bowman. Dr. Bowman graduated from Bowman High School, Bowman, South Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Furman University, the Master of Education from the University of South Carolina, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from the University of Georgia. Dr. Bowman was an Army veteran, serving during the Korean War. After spending time in the Reserve, he was honorably discharged in 1961. Dr. Bowman was a licensed Psychologist. Prior to his career as a psychologist, he taught English at Summerville High School and Anderson Boys High School. Most of his professional life was spent at The Citadel. He joined The Citadel faculty in 1963 and remained there until his retirement in 1996. During his tenure at The Citadel, Dr. Bowman was responsible for creating the Department of Psychology, serving as the first Head of the Department. Active in other spheres of college life, he developed The Citadel Counseling Center, which he directed until his retirement. He also served as the first Director of Graduate Programs. At his retirement, he was serving as the Arland D. Williams Professor of Psychology and Director of the Counseling Center. During his tenure at the Citadel, Dr. Bowman was the recipient of The Citadel Development Foundation Faculty Achievement Award, the James G. Self Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching, The Citadel Faculty Achievement Award for Significant Contributions to the College, The Citadel Outstanding Teacher Award, and the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. He was author and co-author of several articles on poetry therapy and presented workshops on the topic. Active in professional organizations, Dr. Bowman was a member of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, the National Association for Poetry Therapy, and the South Carolina Psychological Association, serving one term as President. The South Carolina Psychological Association honored him with the Lifetime Contributions to Psychology Award (1987) and the Outstanding Teacher of Psychology Award (1995). Dr. Bowman served on the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Psychology, the Executive Board of the Poetry Society of South Carolina, and was a life member of the Board of Governors of the South Carolina Academy of Authors. He is listed in Who’s Who in America, American Men of Science, Who’s Who in American Education, and Who’s Who in the World. Dr. Bowman appeared in many plays over the years as an active member of the Footlight Players. His partner of 48 years, Robert John Sauers, predeceased him. Surviving are a sister, Phyllis Bowman Shuler (BG John A. Shuler) of Bowman, South Carolina, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dr. Bowman was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. A private service will be held at Bowman Memorial Cemetery, Bowman. South Carolina. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 67 Anson Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, Inc., 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston (843) 766-1365.