Bowen became Director of Interdisciplinary Studies on August 1, 2017. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in European History from Northwestern University, a Master of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College, a B.A. in History from the University of Southern California, and is also Professor of History at UCF. He was formerly the Director of University Studies and Chair of the Department of History at Southeast Missouri State University. Bowen’s research has focused on Spanish history, with five published books in this field, and two additional ones on the Middle East. As someone who changed his major from physics to history as an undergraduate, and his career plan from petroleum engineer to historian, he identifies with IDS students seeking to find their own academic and professional paths. Dr. Bowen is also a Colonel in the US Army Reserve, with completed tours in Bosnia and Iraq.