History

Although the Bowen Center for Public Affairs was founded in 2007, the Bowen Institute on Political Participation has been making a difference since 1981. Established to honor the public record of Indiana’s 44th governor, the original component encouraged citizens to more effectively participate in all aspects of civic affairs. This was and still is accomplished by bringing together individuals for  weekend-long workshops.

Twenty-six years later, the Bowen Center for Public Affairs incorporated the longstanding Bowen Institute on Political Participation with two new divisions, the Institute for Public Service and the Institute for Policy Research to empower people who want to participate in their communities.