Major: Communication Studies
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas

As a Fort Worth native, Bo Bowen always knew he wanted to attend Texas Christian University. “I only applied to TCU. I dreamed of being a Horned Frog,” said Bowen. He counts the value of the education he is receiving and the fact that it is his hometown school as major factors in his choice.   

Athletics runs in the Bowen family. Bowen’s father, Ryan Bowen, played five seasons of Major League Baseball for the Houston Astros and the Florida Marlins. Bowen’s uncle, 13-year NBA veteran Bruce Bowen, was a three-time NBA Champion with the San Antonio Spurs and is currently an ESPN NBA analyst.

Bowen, starting for the Horned Frogs his first year at TCU as a defensive end, has seen many hardships. He was injured both his first and second year, had three surgeries and endured demanding recovery periods each time. Bowen sees his time on the team as a highlight in his life. “The most memorable experience I have at TCU is walking out on the field before a home game,” he said. “With the crowd screaming and knowing I am part of this makes it all worth it.” 

 Bowen also dedicated his time to the FCU, Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “It was an amazing opportunity,” he said. “I got to meet so many different people from the TCU campus and was invited to attend the FCA retreat.” 

The reason Bowen made the choice to major in Communication Studies was that he believes there is a fundamental need to understand how to speak to various types of people from diverse economic and ethnic backgrounds. Minoring in Criminal Justice also gives him another opportunity to meet and understand people. “I wanted to pair Communication Studies with Criminal Justice because the process affects so many people in our country,” he said. “The process the system goes through is fascinating and really shows how we interact on a deeper level.” 

Bowen credits the Bob Schieffer College of Communication for creating an amazing academic environment that has allowed him to thrive. He believes that the Communication Studies department offers many wonderful classes and if he had to choose one to be his favorite it would have to be Advance Public Speaking. “The department is just awesome,” he said.

Bowen believes the Schieffer College has taught him to do more listening than talking, and if he had any advice to give to incoming first–years it would be to read the materials you are covering that day before class. 

After graduation, Bowen wants to open his own restaurant. “It is my dream to open and run a restaurant here in Fort Worth. I love to cook, and TCU is going to help me get there,” he said. “I have obtained skills from the Schieffer College that are going to assist in how I interact with the community, I have gained knowledge that I will be able to apply every day.”   

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