N.C. A&T Alumni Times

N.C. A&T Couple Establishes Endowment for Students in College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences

Drs. Blannie Bowen ’75 and Cathy Bowen ’77 met while attending North Carolina A&T, and married soon after Dr. Cathy’s graduation. Both College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, with Blannie majoring in agricultural education and Cathy majoring in home economics education (now known as family and consumer sciences), the two would go on to pursue successful careers at Penn State University for nearly 30 years.

In 2017, the Bowens established a scholarship endowment for students in their name at A&T. Their decision was motivated by the foundation that A&T gave them as students when they attended college. Coming from modest beginnings, they both valued their educations, the environment, and for Blannie, the scholarships that supported his tuition and fees.

The Bowens credit their parents for being influential in their lives in helping them to develop their work ethic that fuels their current success. Blannie explained he was raised in a family with 12 siblings where he learned how to be team player and to always do his part. Cathy shared that her success is gleaned from her parents’ strength that has helped her through tough times. Her parents grew up in the early 1900s during times of segregation and injustice; they endured through all of it and continued to support Cathy and her sister in their education.

The Bowens both believe that it is important to treat people the way you would like to be treated. And that is why they believe so strongly in supporting students at A&T, because the institution developed them into who they are today.

“Giving starts with the alumni, and everyone can give something back even if it’s $10 each year,” said Cathy.

In June 2017, Blannie retired from Penn State University as vice provost for academic affairs. Cathy is currently a professor of agricultural and extension education. Her work focuses on consumer issues and personal finance education. She celebrated her 40th class reunion from N.C. A&T in May 2017

The Blannie E. and Cathy Faulcon Bowen Endowed Scholarship is for students majoring in agriculture education or family and consumer sciences in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. The student must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and must demonstrate financial need. In addition, preference will be given to students from the Bowens home counties, Bladen and Halifax, in North Carolina.