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Richard C. Bowers was born May 3, 1927 in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. He received his B.S. from the University of Michigan in1948 and his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1953. Bowers was a professor of chemistry at both the University of Minnesota and Northwestern University before becoming Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Northern Illinois University. He was soon promoted to Provost and later to Vice President of Academic Affairs. Bowers competed with 270 other applicants to win the position of President of The University of Montana-Missoula.

During his 1974-1981 term as president, Bower's administration fought to improve conditions for students, particularly women. In 1974, Bowers called for a national ban on athletic scholarships, except those based upon need. He dropped the $5 mandatory student athletic fee and encouraged support for women's intercollegiate sports to equal support for men's athletics. He established the University of Montana Excellence Fund and brought growth to university facilities. Buildings erected during his tenure include Urey Underground Lecture Hall, 1981; Pharmacy/Psychology Building (Skaggs Complex), 1981; and additions to Law Building and Mansfield Library. Programs established include African-American, Latin-American, Asian, and Soviet Studies as well as Pre-Agriculture/Horticulture curriculum. Despite a reduction of state funding, Bowers secured the funds for the Performing Arts and Radio/Television Building. He also worked to establish and strengthen the university's connections to Montana communities.

After his term in Montana, Bowers was appointed the Vice President of Academic Affairs at the University of Maine and also served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. He contributed to several formal publications in the field of education. He retired in 1992 and returned to Montana.

Richard C. Bowers married Florence I. Olson on June 17, 1950. She was born April 14, 1928. She had a B.S. in zoology and an M.S. in guidance and counselling. The Bowers had three children, Robert, Lesly and Janet. Richard Bowers died in his Polson, Montana, home on May 26, 1996.