Dr. Bowen earned a BS/BSW in Sociology/Social Work in 1975 and Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies in 1981. He is the Kenan Distinguished Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he co-directed the development of the Ph.D. Program in Social Work.

Among many other areas of expertise, Dr. Bowen has extensive experience working with all branches of the military services and has visited installations worldwide during the past 30 years consulting with military policymakers, researchers, and practitioners across a range of mental health and social service issues.