James W. Bowden

James W. Bowden, Sr. is the son and sixth child of the late Bessie and Grady Bowden. Mr. Bowden was reared in Great Falls, SC, graduating from Great Falls High School (Class of 1968) as one of the first African American students enrolled in the segregated school system under the Freedom of Choice, or Free Transfer plan. His parents encouraged him to believe in God, value education and scholarship, and avail himself of every opportunity to succeed and become a self-reliant and productive citizen. Access to post-secondary education would result in him leaving his close-knit family and familiar enclave to matriculate at Denmark Technical College (Denmark Tech) in Denmark, SC. Mr. Bowden graduated from Denmark Technical College (Denmark Tech) in 1972 and in 1993 with degrees in electronics technology and industrial technology, respectively.

Bowden currently serves as a Denmark Technical College Area Commissioner and president of the Denmark Technical College National Alumni Association. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Denmark Technical College Foundation. His unwavering support of the College has spanned over five decades.