Gina Bowman (1952–2024)

Gina Bowman, who served as Arkansas State University (ASU) assistant athletic director for media relations between 1994 and 2008, was one of the first female sports information directors for a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I institution.

Gina Bowman was born in Jonesboro (Craighead County) on August 7, 1952, to Nora Bowman, who was a homemaker, and Hugh Bowman, an auto body repairman. She had two siblings, older brother Roger and younger brother Michael. After graduating from Jonesboro High School in 1970, she majored in journalism at ASU, becoming sports editor for the school’s newspaper, the Herald. Following graduation in 1976, she was hired as the assistant sports information director at ASU. She never married and had no children.

In the early part of her career, Bowman claimed she had to beg media outlets to announce the score following games. However, during the late 1970s and the 1980s, ASU’s athletic program experienced tremendous success and change. Earl Bell established a new world record in the pole vault; won national championships in 1975, 1976, and 1977; and became a three-time Olympian (winning a bronze in 1984). Former ASU track and field star Al Joyner won a gold medal in the 1984 Olympics. In 1979, Larry Lacewell became head football coach and athletic director, leading the football program to back-to-back conference championships in 1985 and 1986, and an appearance in the 1986 national championship game. The basketball program made several National Invitation Tournament appearances during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Finally, the athletic program earned NCAA Division I status. The addition of such high-profile coaches as former Alabama and New England Patriots head coach Ray Perkins and former Ohio State offensive coordinator Joe Hollis also helped elevate national media attention for ASU athletics.

In 1994, Bowman was promoted to assistant athletic director for media relations, becoming one of the first female sports information directors in Division I. She also served as the university’s Senior Woman Administrator from 1994 to 2002.

In 2008, Bowman transitioned from athletics to the university’s marketing and communication department, serving as director of media relations until her retirement in 2022. She died on February 26, 2024.

During her forty-six years of service at ASU, Bowman garnered several recognitions for her contributions and loyalty to the university, including the A-State Lettermen’s Club Honorary Letter Winner and inclusion on the Staff Centennial Wall of Honor. Perhaps one of the most unusual recognitions associated with Bowman was #Regina, a social media reference used by ASU students for information about weather-related closing announcements.

For additional information:
Bobo, B., and M. Stolz. “Episode 44: A Conversation with Longtime Sports Information Director Gina Bowman.” Second to None: The A-State Podcast, 2022. https://soundcloud.com/user-725943811/episode-44-a-conversation-with-longtime-sports-information-director-gina-bowman (accessed November 20, 2024).

Obituary of Gina Bowman. Rollers-Farmer Union. https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/new/memorialpage.asp?id=68538&locid=23 (accessed November 20, 2024).

“Retired Staff Member Gina Bowman Dies.” Herald, February 28, 2024. https://astatetheherald.com/2024/02/28/retired-staff-member-gina-bowman-dies/ (accessed November 20, 2024).

Stevens, M. “A-State Employee Retires after 46 Years.” KAIT, May 31, 2022. https://www.kait8.com/2022/06/01/a-state-employee-retires-after-46-years/?outputType=amp (accessed November 20, 2024).

Michael Bowman
Arkansas State University