Ed Bowers to operationalize Clemson Elevate metrics for CBSHS in special assistant role

Ed Bowers, professor of youth development leadership in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, has been appointed special assistant to the dean in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS) this academic year.

Bowers will assist CBSHS Dean Leslie Hossfeld in expanding the College’s framework to measure engagement, service and outreach, as it continues to prioritize activities and initiatives that align with Clemson University’s bold strategic plan, Clemson Elevate.

Bowers will evaluate the College’s community and industry partnerships, entrepreneurial endeavors and engaged student experiences to develop a thoughtful, systemic approach to measuring both quantifiable data and experience-based information.

“Through his work in the field of youth development, Dr. Bowers has career-long experience evaulating the success of programs and initiatives that are inherently difficult to measure,” said Hossfeld. “His unique perspective, expertise and network of relationships across campus and the community will help us advance the College’s mission to build people and communities through Clemson Elevate.”

“CBSHS is doing incredible work at the University, within the community and across South Carolina,” said Bowers. “In this role, I aim to develop an intentional structure for identifying, supporting and promoting this work. This effort will include developing ways to accurately capture both straightforward measures, such as grant dollars, and more nuanced information, such as community impact, allowing us to strengthen our existing partnerships and initiatives and elevate our plans for the future.”

Bowers earned a Ph.D. in applied developmental psychology from Boston College. He earned a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in science business and anthropology from the University of Notre Dame.

The College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS) was established in July 2016, CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in seven disciplines – communication; nursing; parks, recreation and tourism management; political science; psychology; public health sciences; sociology, anthropology and criminal justice – to further its mission of “building people and communities” in South Carolina and beyond.