Robert A. Bowman

Robert A. Bowman, professor emeritus of health behavior and health education, died Jan. 15 in Racine, Wis., at age 89. He was born in Racine in 1914 and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1937. He went on to earn a master's degree from Marquette University and a second master's, as well as his doctorate, from U-M.

Following an early career as a biology teacher and head of the science department at Wisconsin's Cudahy High School, and as a consultant in health education in central Michigan, Bowman joined the faculty of the School of Public Health (SPH) in 1949. He retired in 1980.

During his three decades at SPH, he served as assistant to the dean and secretary of the faculty for 10 years. He was a consultant in health education to several state and national organizations, including the Indian Health Service and the Migrant Health Branch of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and the American Cancer Society of Michigan. He also directed research programs in health education for the Cancer Control Program and the Migrant Health Program of the U.S. Public Health Service.

Bowman played a key role in the education of more than 750 SPH students who went on to hold positions of leadership throughout the world at every level of government, in voluntary health agencies and in the World Health Organization. Students valued Bowman as a good listener and a sage counselor and mentor.

"Bob was one of the early specialists in health education media and materials, and he developed a state-of-the-art media laboratory in the school," says Scott Simonds, professor emeritus of health behavior and health education and a former colleague of Bowman. "His work had particular relevance for students abroad, who were just launching the field of health education in their respective countries."

A member of several state and national organizations, Bowman served as president of the Michigan Public Health Association (MPHA) and president of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE). He held various offices in the American Public Health Association, and for several years was editor of Health Education Monographs, a leading health education journal.

Among his many honors and awards, Bowman was named a distinguished fellow of SOPHE, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and an honorary life member of MPHA. He also was inducted into the Washington Park (Wisconsin) High School Hall of Fame.

Bowman's wife, the former Helen Elizabeth Schneider, died in 1995. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Marjorie Bowman; three nieces, seven nephews and numerous cousins.

The family has suggested memorials to St. Paul the Apostle Church Legacy Fund, 6400 Spring St., Racine, WI 53406; Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 530 Elizabeth St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104; or the charity of one's choice.

The Maresh-Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St., Racine, handled the arrangements.

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