New Vice Provost Named

by University Relations

Vicky Bowden, DNSc, RN, began her new role as vice provost for undergraduate programs on January 1, 2013. As a recognized leader and scholar in pediatric nursing with a long history of important contributions to her discipline and the university, Bowden stands eminently qualified to help APU grow and strengthen under the Shared Vision 2022.

In this position, Bowden provides leadership to the General Education program, the Office of Curricular Support, the Office of Academic Advising and Retention, and the Center for Global Learning & Engagement, and interfaces with the One Stop: Undergraduate Enrollment Services Center. She also assumes responsibility for other undergraduate areas, including the High Sierra Semester, the Center for Academic Service-Learning and Research, and the undergraduate academic integrity process.

In addition, she continues to serve as the university accreditation liaison, as part of the Office of the President and Office of the Provost teams, and on President’s Council, Academic Cabinet, and several faculty governance committees. “Dr. Bowden knows our undergraduate programs well, and she made a seamless transition into the leadership of these important areas of the university,” said Provost Mark Stanton, Ph.D. “Her drive and enthusiasm for academic quality will contribute strongly to our initiatives.” Her career as an award-winning educator spans nearly 30 years and includes 16 at Azusa Pacific and prior positions at Vanderbilt University; California State Universities, Fullerton, Dominguez Hills, and Los Angeles; University of California, Los Angeles; and UCI Medical Center. In addition, Bowden worked for more than 15 years in pediatrics at several leading hospitals throughout the nation.

At APU, she guides significant university initiatives, including the Western Association of Schools and Colleges reaccreditation process, strategic planning activities, and the Honors Program, among many others. The author of numerous textbooks, workbooks, articles, and abstracts, Bowden also serves as a clinical practitioner and presenter. “I was privileged to serve the university as a professor in the School of Nursing, as the director of the Honors Program, and as the accreditation liaison officer,” said Bowden.

“I have witnessed the dedicated and passionate work of faculty and staff, and partnered with them to advance the academic mission of the university. I look forward to doing all I can to support undergraduate programs and initiatives at APU as vice provost.” Bowden holds a BSN from Harding University in Arkansas, a master’s degree with a dual specialty in pediatric nursing and nursing education from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and a doctorate in nursing science from the University of San Diego.

Originally published in the Spring '13 issue of APU Life. Download the PDF or view all issues.