Dr. Hoyt Bowen

Dr. Hoyt Edwin Bowen was born in 1919. After recovering from serious injuries sustained as a naval aviator in WWII, Hoyt returned to school and graduated from Piedmont College with a degree in English. He then attended Florida State University and Columbia University, where he earned his doctorate. In 1951, he appeared in the 20th Century Fox Film I’d Climb the Highest Mountain.

Hoyt came to WKU in 1971, where he taught Shakespeare and Renaissance drama. After retiring in 1985, he was named Professor Emeritus. He was married to Kathryn “Kate” McManus Bowen for 64 years before his passing on January 4, 2011.

To honor his memory, friends and family established the Dr. Hoyt Bowen English Scholarship Fund. The fund assists deserving WKU students in pursuing their academic goals. Through this fund, his legacy on the Hill continues in perpetuity.