Reflections Magazine Issue #80 - Spring 2014 | Page 17

Feature Article

Commanderin-Chief

Bowman’s path to law enforcement
was a winding one. He originally started
as a Siena Heights business major on the
Adrian campus in 1989, but left school during his sophomore year to work in security.
Working security during the 1994 World
Cup match at the Pontiac Silverdome, Bowman realized he wanted to make law enforcement his career.
“I wanted to be relevant,” said Bowman,
who returned to Siena Heights University,
this time completing his bachelor’s degree
at the Lansing Community College campus
while a member of the MSP—more than
18 years later. “I wanted to have an impact
on something.”

Starting as a trooper with the Michigan
State Police, Bowman advanced from detective to assistant section commander to
lieutenant. He was former Governor Jennifer
Granholm’s advisor to the Department of
Homeland Security. He assisted with the
“Underwear Bomber” case at the Metro
Detroit Airport, which gave him his first
taste of his current role.
“It sparked my interest in a leadership
role,” Bowman said. “I feel like I have a
unique ability to have an impact and prevent those things from happening.”

Bowman got his chance when he was
hired as MIOC commander in July 2013.
After completing some initial training, including an executive leadership program
with the prestigious Naval Postgraduate
School’s Center for Homeland Defense,
Bowman said he is up to the challenge
that his current position provides.
“I’m at that point where I think there is
a lot I can do in my current position,” he
said. “I’m hoping whatever I accomplish
over the next (few) years opens the door
for the next challenge.” u

Reflections Spring ’14 | 17