Professor Donald N. Bowdle, a fifty-year veteran of the Lee faculty, will address graduates and guests at Lee University’s spring commencement exercises on Saturday, May 5, at 9:30 a.m. Live streaming in either venue will be available for viewing in the Conn Center.
[1]Dr. Donald N. Bowdle
Bowdle, a Distinguished Professor of History and Religion at Lee, is retiring this summer after a fifty-year career as a full-time faculty member there. He is the senior member of the Lee faculty, and his half century of service sets a record. He is considered a master of the Koine Greek text and has published over 250 articles and book reviews. He joined Lee’s Department of Bible and Theology in 1962.
During his tenure at Lee, Bowdle has received the Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Scholarship awards and in 2010, was recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Educator Award by the Church of God. He has also served Lee in numerous academic leadership roles, including dean of Lee College’s Division of Religion and chair of the Department of Bible and Theology.
Bowdle earned his Doctor of Theology at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia in American Christianity and his Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary in ancient and medieval studies. He was also a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Edinburgh and Yale University. Bowdle received his PhD and MA from Bob Jones University in New Testament Text and Theology and his BA from Lee College.
Bowdle has authored and contributed to numerous academic journal reviews, curriculum and books including Ellicott’s Bible Commentary, Redemption Accomplished and Applied, The Promise and Power (cont.), A Journey Through the New Testament, and Faith Foundations for Life and Ministry in the 21st Century. His article, “Holiness in the Highlands: A Profile of the Church of God,” was published in Christianity in Appalachia: Profiles in Regional Pluralism by the University of Tennessee Press.
Bowdle is married to Jean, and together they have three married children and seven grandchildren.
Graduation exercises will begin with a commissioning service on Friday, May 4, at 6:30 p.m. on the soccer field where guests can hear six graduating seniors reflect on their time at Lee. Graduates will also receive commemorative Bibles from Lee President Dr. Paul Conn.
(Source: Lee University Public Information)