Professor Karrie Bowen

Name:

Professor Karrie Bowen

(courtesy of Katie Twist)

Job Title:

Lecturer in Social Media, Public Relations, and Media Production

Degrees:

Master of Arts in Communication—Edinboro University—2002

Bachelor of Arts in Speech & Communication Studies—Minor in Women’s Studies—Edinboro University—1997

Family:

Husband—Steve

Daughter—Ruthie

Step-daughter—Marley

Involvement on Campus:

Bowen is the advisor for The Behrend Beacon, as well as the Behrend Communication Network (BCN), which is a social and professional organization set on building a “sense of community between the students at Behrend who are Communication majors, minors, or who are interested in Communication field-related professions”.

Why Get Involved as a Professor?

Bowen has been an advisor of student clubs almost every year she has been a professor, totaling 15 years now. She believes that as a student, being involved is very important. She stresses the significance of using your learning extracurricularly, socializing, and becoming a part of your school community.

Advice for Behrend Students:

“Please, read the syllabus!”

Bowen believes that it is important for all students to recognize that college is not about the grades you get—it is about understanding the world around you, and developing you as a human being.

“Sometimes it’s better to get a B and understand”

“Get involved!”

Reason for Choosing Communication:

Professor Bowen originally wanted to attend school for theater, but her parents did not approve. She had always loved music, television, film, and writing, so she found interest in journalism. She says she never wanted to do anything in school other than communication.

Reason for Teaching:

Professor Bowen says she didn’t choose to teach, she merely “fell into it”. As a newlywed starting a career as a journalist it was difficult to make ends meet, so she started teaching part time at a community college. She never planned on her career being what it is now; she had always seen herself in journalism or political communication.

Favorite Class Taught:

Media Effects and Public Relations classes. Bowen says she loves watching her students realize the impact that media has on us, and she loves the fact that the field is always shifting.

Favorite Class Taken:

In grad school, Bowen took a course in persuasion and propaganda which changed her perception and her way of critically examining the world. She says she was incredibly confused in the course until one day it finally “clicked”.

Advice for Communication Majors:

“Don’t be afraid of public speaking…really focus on developing your writing skills…you write and you talk, and you study those who write and talk”

If you could change anything in the world, what would it be?

“I would ask those with power and privilege to be quiet and listen to those who don’t and then when they are done listening, they should ask those same people how they can help so that they can use their power and privilege for good.”

Most satisfying part of teaching?

“Watching my students evolve; I love it”

“Life is about learning…you change the college, and the college changes you”

Bowen says she loves watching people come on campus as freshmen and watching them grow up all the way to graduation.

Most challenging part of teaching?

Bowen’s biggest frustration in teaching is the idea that college is about job training. “College is about understanding and critical thinking, and effectively communicating that”. Bowen believes that you come to college to explore your chosen discipline, and to become a “multi-thinking, analytical communicator”.

Fondest Memory?

Bowen says that her fondest memory is when her teen idol, Rick Springfield, proposed to her on behalf of her current husband, Steve. (*cries*)

(Rick Springfield proposing to Bowen on behalf of Steve: courtesy of Karrie Bowen)

(Bowen’s reaction to Steve’s proposal: courtesy of Karrie Bowen)

Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter (@karriebowen) and Instagram (@karriebowen)!! HCXO

• journalism
• media
• newspaper
• professor
• teaching
• writing