Vincent Bowhay

Dr. Vincent Bowhay became the sixteenth president of Independence Community College in 2021. He leads an extraordinary team dedicated to student success during a time of great transition. Bowhay has more than a decade of experience in higher education and assessment consultation. Since arriving at ICC as vice president for student affairs in 2019, Bowhay has led the institution’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, while also realigning the institution for success in its second century.

Bowhay’s career has involved work in the public and private sectors. As an assessment, strategic planning, and accreditation consultant at Campus Labs in Buffalo, New York, Bowhay was recognized as a highly effective and innovative leader, positioning campuses for data-driven success. Prior to joining ICC, he also served in student affairs roles at Missouri Western State University and Fort Hays State University.

He is active in educational, civic, and charitable organizations. Much of his passion is focused on promoting affordable access to education, helping veterans achieve academic and career success, and encouraging civic engagement among college students. His most recent book, “The Proper Role of Higher Education in a Democratic Society,” reexamines the role higher education plays in preparing students for a life of civic engagement and community leadership. Bowhay is an active volunteer for the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and other values-based organizations.

Bowhay is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach with experience in career transition and executive coaching. He earned his B.A. in English literature from Washburn University; an M.A. in student affairs administration in higher education from Ball State University; and an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Baker University.