Rachel A. Bowser, PhD

Rachel A. Bowser brings extensive academic leadership experience and scholarly expertise to her role as vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college at Agnes Scott College. Dr. Bowser provides strategic vision for the institution's academic program, faculty development, and academic support services, with leadership that encompasses curriculum innovation, faculty recruitment and retention, and the cultivation of an inclusive learning environment. Dr. Bowser's academic journey reflects a deep commitment to the liberal arts. She earned her BA in English from Grove City College, her MA in English from West Virginia University, and her PhD in English from Emory University, where rigorous training in literary scholarship prepared her for a distinguished career in both teaching and academic leadership. As a professor of English, Dr. Bowser is a dedicated scholar and educator whose teaching philosophy emphasizes close reading, critical thinking, and the relevance of literary study to contemporary social and cultural questions. She is committed to mentoring students and fostering their intellectual growth, encouraging them to engage deeply with texts and ideas while developing their own scholarly voices. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, accessibility, and student success. The values align closely with Agnes Scott's Universal AI commitment to preparing students for a future where technological literacy and humanistic inquiry are equally essential.