Fowler to retire from OSU Spears School of Business after 37 years of service

Thursday, May 28, 2009

(May 28, 2009   Stillwater, Okla.) – Joe Fowler, professor of legal studies in business, will retire from the faculty of the Spears School of Business June 2 after 37 years of service.
 
Fowler received a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and management from OSU and a law degree from Oklahoma City University. He returned to join OSU’s staff in the fall of 1972, and he has served in numerous positions since then, including manager of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, department head for the Department of Administrative Services, interim associate dean for the Spears School, and executive assistant to OSU’s president. He also served as public address announcer at OSU men’s basketball games for 15 years.
 
“I’ve really enjoyed all of the positions I’ve had the opportunity to hold, especially being the public address announcer at the basketball games,” Fowler said. “It’s just been a lot of fun.”
 
During his time at OSU, Fowler received several teaching honors, including the Mortar Board Golden Torch Faculty Award, the Regents Distinguished Teaching Award, the Greiner Undergraduate Teaching Award, the Spears School Excellence in Advising Award and the Spears School Effective Teaching Award. Fowler said he also enjoyed working as the faculty advisor to student organizations; he served as the Business Student Council’s advisor for 14 years.
 
“I feel honored to have achieved so much,” Fowler said. “I’d tell students to work hard, have fun believe in themselves, and try to stay true to God’s plan for them. If they do all that, I think they’ll end up in pretty good shape.”
 
Fowler has worked as an industrial engineer for Tinker Air Force Base and Hoerner Boxes, Inc., and he was also on the board of directors for Stillwater United Way and the vice-chair for the Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board.
 
In the future, Fowler said he plans to play more golf, read more fiction and travel with his wife, Alice.
 
“Initially, I’m going to relax,” Fowler said. “I also plan to volunteer in the community. I’ll definitely stay busy.”
 
Fowler said he will never forget his time at OSU.
 
“As far as my colleagues are concerned, they’ve kept me intellectually stimulated, and I’ve made a lot of friends,” Fowler said. “The students have kept me young. They’ve motivated me and made me laugh. Sometimes, they’ve even made me cry. No matter what, though, I’ve just loved being around them. I think I’ll miss them the most.”