Diana Bowman, program assistant in the Communication Department, said many Taylor students call her mom. After all, much of her time is spent supporting, interacting and building relationships with students in the Rupp Communication Arts Center.
Bowman assists both professors and students in daily tasks. From office work like emails and calls to helping substitute for classes and sit in on meetings, the job encompasses many responsibilities. She has a passion for her job and serving the Lord through interacting with the college community.
“I’ve actually been in administration since high school,” Bowman said. “I loved it in high school, I took all office courses, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do since I was a little girl.”
Before working as a program assistant at Taylor, Bowman worked in administration with the provost office. As a result, she has gotten to work with the dean and counseling department as well as students and professors such as Alan Blanchard, associate professor of journalism.
Even before that, Bowman worked for a lawyer online, served as a youth pastor and worked at Blackboard County Hospital in administration. She was also a worship pastor, stay-at-home mom, interim pastor and worked in real estate to start out her career.
However, it was 1997 when she last worked before transitioning to Taylor. She said she learned a lot about technology and digital tools in general since beginning her work at Taylor.
“You know, the saying, you can’t teach an old dog a new trick?” Bowman asked. “Well, I refuse to be old or considered old. So I say, ‘you can teach an experienced dog new tricks,’ so I am learning excel right now in the reporting I do.”
Bowman came to Taylor because her daughter began going there, and she heard great things about the university. The hour-long drive from Noblesville, her current home, does not deter her from her job.
The Christian community and chapel also drew her in as well as her desire to be near students again.
“My journey has led me to see that I love being around students,” Bowman said.“I think it helps keep us young. We can encourage you guys and instill our wisdom and experience, but then in turn, we learn from you guys – what’s fresh – and you can help us hone in on our technical skills.”
Bowman said her faith is key in what she does and how she lives her life. What excites her most is the opportunity to talk about the Gospel and Jesus.
“My favorite part of my job is my interaction with students, whether I can help or assist them with the printer, copier, or I like putting candy around, just for fun,” Bowman said.
She has done a lot of work outside of classes with students as well. This includes activities such as the Gospel Choir and supporting the students by buying pictures or other items from them.
Bowman also has a passion for serving international students at Taylor. She is involved in global engagement work. This includes working with Daniel Darko, global scholar-in-residence and professor of biblical studies & leadership, who she now considers a close friend.
“He (Darko) has taught me so much about the world and different people and different parts of the world, whether it's collectivism, (or) individualism, and has helped me to understand different cultures better,” Bowman said.
Whether picking them up from the airport or inviting them over for dinner, Bowman intentionally welcomes international students.
Bowman plans to continue loving students and assisting professors in the way God has gifted her by being the mom so many students at Taylor look to.
