Otis R. Bowen, M.D. (Indiana ’39)

Otis Bowen was born in Richland Center, Indiana. He received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Indiana University in 1939 where he was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity, and his M.D. degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1942. From 1943 to 1946, Dr. Bowen served in the Pacific during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He was corner in Marshall County, Indiana from 1952 to 1956.
Dr. Bowen served as a member of the House of Representatives in Indiana in 1957, 1958 and 1961-1972. He was governor of Indiana from 1973-1981. From 1981 to 1984, he served on the Advisory Council on Social Security.
In 1985, President Ronald Reagan appointed Dr. Bowen Secretary of Health and Human Services, a post he held until 1989.

Served in the U.S. Army during World War II
member of Indiana State House of Representatives, 1957-58, 1961
Speaker of the Indiana State House of Representatives, 1967-72
Governor of Indiana, 1973-81
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, 1985-89

Member, American Medical Association; Farm Bureau; American Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Kiwanis

 

Dr. Otis R. Bowen Museum and Archives @ the Bowen Library of Bethel College, Mishawauka, IN