WOMEN'S CAUCUS NAMES JUDY BOWMAN AS ITS OUTSTANDING WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Described as a "behind the scenes" supporter for women's issues and one of the university's "unsung heroes," Judy Bowman was honored Jan. 30 by the Women's Caucus as its 2002 Outstanding Woman of the Year.
Bowman, the assistant vice president for undergraduate affairs in the Office of Academic Affairs, received a plaque in honor of her many years of distinguished service at the university, particularly for women faculty, students, administrators and staff.
A longtime member of the Women's Caucus board, Bowman was credited for her work in the gender equity process in recent years. She also has served as the institutional liaison for the Virginia Identification Program to facilitate the advancement of women administrators around the state.
"She has been invaluable in guiding the efforts to ensure equitable treatment for women on many fronts," said Marty Sharpe, director of university planning and institutional research.
"She is well-placed as an administrator to influence important decisions with regard to women. Because of her incredible discretion, we'll never know everything she has accomplished for the cause, and for that we respect her thoroughly," Sharpe added.
Jeanie Kline, director of distance learning operations, also lauded Bowman for her many years of administrative work interpreting university policy and for "the depth of her knowledge."
Both Sharpe and Kline, who nominated Bowman for the award, are former presidents of the Women's Caucus.
On another front, the Women's Caucus recognized Bowman for her support of women's athletics at the university, particularly basketball. She is the founder and current head of Lady Monarch Pride, a booster organization that supports the women's basketball team.
Wendy Larry, coach of the Lady Monarchs, thanked Bowman for her years of support, including her leadership role in the Pride's purchase of nine laptop computers for the team, which players use to keep up with homework assignments during trips to away games. Larry also credits Bowman for increasing the number of season ticket holders by 50 each year.
Bowman has worked in the provost's office since 1982, starting as an assistant and later becoming executive assistant. She was promoted to assistant vice president in 1997. Bowman was named the university Administrator of the Year in 1995.