BGSU to welcome Hall of Fame coach Bobby Bowden

by Lindsay Laurent

Bobby Bowden, former football coach at Florida State University and College Football Hall of Fame inductee, will speak at Bowling Green State University as part of the Setting the Pace Lecture Series hosted by the College of Education and Human Development. 

Bowden will speak at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 16 in the Lenhart Grand Ballroom in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. His presentation on teaching and leading the next generation is free and open to the public. 

During his 34-year tenure, Bowden was second among Division 1 coaches major college football history for most career wins. After serving as the head coach at South Georgia College, Howard College (now Samford University), and West Virginia University, Bowden guided Florida State to more than 300 victories, two national championships, 12 Atlantic Coast Conference titles, and 14 straight top five finishes nationally, all while leading the Seminoles to bowl games in 28 consecutive seasons.

Since retiring, Bowden remains involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, annually awarding the National Bobby Bowden Award to a student-athlete for achievement on and off the field. Bowden was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and was the recipient of the Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2011. 

Bowden became a New York Times bestselling author with his book, “Called to Coach.” 

The Setting the Pace Lecture Series brings distinguished speakers to campus through the academic year to initiate positive and interactive dialogues and to discuss ideas trending in education and human development.

Registration is required for this event and seats are limited.