Following a comprehensive national search process that attracted numerous highly qualified candidates from across the country, Portland State University has appointed David D. Bowman as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS). The university conducted an extensive review of candidates with diverse backgrounds and exceptional qualifications before selecting Bowman, who emerged as the top candidate from this competitive field of national applicants.
Bowman will provide leadership for PSU's largest and most diverse college, which serves over 5,400 students and houses 300+ full-time faculty across 24 units in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. CLAS offers more than 80 undergraduate programs and 45 graduate programs, teaching 40% of total student credit hours across the university.
Bowman comes to PSU from Eastern Washington University, where he has served as Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics since 2016. During his tenure, he has overseen a major expansion of research and teaching infrastructure, securing over $177 million in capital and operating investments. His accomplishments include overseeing construction of a $67 million Interdisciplinary Science Center, securing funding for a $100 million science building renovation, and leading development of the innovative "Catalyst Building"—a public-private partnership creating a zero-energy mixed-use academic and research facility.
Under his leadership, EWU significantly expanded its curricular offerings with new undergraduate programs in Electrical & Computer Engineering, Data Science, and Cybersecurity, as well as a new graduate program in Applied Math. Most recently, he led efforts to secure state funding for EWU's MESA University Center, supporting student success for underserved and minoritized students in STEM.
Bowman's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion includes launching numerous initiatives such as a Dean's Faculty Fellow for DEI, an Assistant Dean for Student Success and Belonging, an Inclusive Teaching Academy, and the "100 Women+ Strong" mentoring program. His experience serving a student body that is 35% first-generation, 29% BIPOC, and 75% Pell-eligible aligns with PSU's commitment to serving diverse learners.
An accomplished earthquake seismologist, Bowman holds a B.S. and Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Southern California and conducted postdoctoral work as a Chateaubriand Fellow at the Institut de Physique du Globe in Paris. He has extensive international research experience and has worked with the U.S. State Department on science diplomacy initiatives with Argentina and Uzbekistan.
Prior to his role at EWU, Bowman served as Department Chair and Interim Dean at California State University, Fullerton, where he helped raise over $7.7 million and created the college's first endowed chair. He was a 2020 Fellow of the UC Berkeley Executive Leadership Academy and currently serves on multiple boards including MOBIUS Spokane and Washington MESA.
Bowman's appointment is effective September 2, 2025.