Women of Distinction Awards

Susan Bowman

Susan Bowman, Academic Advisor II, School of Materials Science and Engineering, started her Georgia Tech career in 1991 when she began working for the MSE School Director. During the past 16 years of service she has filled many shoes in the School, giving her valuable knowledge about every intricate aspect of the Schools operations, campus policies and procedures, and all activities that are unique to the University system.

As a two-time cancer survivor, Susan facilitates two cancer support groups. One group meets on campus and one group meets in her community. Susan uses her personal experiences and encourages others during these health challenges. While participating in a metro-Atlanta American Cancer Society Relay for Life, her team raises over $14,000 for the advancement of cancer research helping the overall event raise $1.4 million. In addition to her life experiences, Susan completed counseling training under a licensed psychologist, empowering her to bring this extra knowledge into her groups and the workplace.

In MSE one of Susan's most significant initiatives has been the graduate recruitment fairs implemented in 1996. The fairs, designed to build the graduate student program by bringing in the countries best and brightest graduate students to Georgia Tech, has been highly successful. Dr. Thomas Sanders, Regents' Professor and Graduate Coordinator, commented, “Her attention to detail has made our fairs among the best in material science across the country. Each time we have a fair, we receive nothing but praise from the students regarding Susan and the job she does. The students regularly express how efficient, knowledgeable, informative and pleasant she is.” Her attention to detail involves coordinating individual travel and prospective student meetings with faculty, as well as the social events for approximately twenty students each fair, two fairs each year. Susan's outstanding dedication to her work on campus earned her the 2001 Outstanding Staff Performance award.

These highlights only cover a few of the characteristics that distinguish Susan as a true asset to Georgia Tech and confirms in out mind that she is a leader whose numerous achievements have had and will have a significant impact on the lives of many both on and off campus. It does not begin to show the complexity of her job duties and the countless contributions she makes both to the Georgia Tech and the community. Susan works with a wide range of people, and her professionalism, dedication, enthusiasm, and personal touch of genuine care enriches and impacts the Georgia Tech academic community and beyond.