Florida College named a longtime servant as its first president emeritus on Monday, February 1. Bob F. Owen ’50, who served as president of the College from 1982 to 1991, received the honor at a program following the evening lecture at Carrollwood Day School.

The President Emeritus title is an honorary one bestowed by the board of directors, recognizing the contributions made to the College by a former president.

Owen first came to Florida Christian College as a student in 1950, and was actively involved in chorus, athletics, debate, and the school paper. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University, he returned to FCC as a faculty member in the fall of 1952.

He married Janelle Boswell, whose parents were a mighty force for the school in its early days. The Owens lived on campus in the apartment building for his first five years as a teacher; their children Scott and Jenny were born during that time.

Owen was “an outstanding teacher,” according to President H.E. “Buddy” Payne ’65, and one who involved himself heavily with student activities. It was only appropriate that Owen became dean of students in 1956—a post he held for thirteen years.

“He had a true gift for relating with students,” said Payne in Monday night’s presentation, while having a “sixth sense for ferreting out” their transgressions.

Melvin Curry ’51, the evening’s speaker who noted a 56-year friendship with Owen, recalled how Owen sawed off portions of the front legs of the chair in his dean of students office in order to humble erring students. “It was more effective than waterboarding,” quipped Curry.

Owen became business manager in 1969, and held that position until President James R. Cope’s retirement in 1982. He was selected as Cope’s replacement and the third president of Florida College that year. Owen’s legacy as president involved raising the salaries of faculty and staff (even while declining pay increases himself), establishing a program for long-range planned giving, and overseeing the construction of Henderson Dining Hall.

While hardily serving the College, Owen was also active in the community. He was a Temple Terrace city councilman for fourteen years, and a longtime member of the Tampa North Rotary Club. He also preached regularly in congregations all over Florida and abroad.

Curry recounted the many trips he and Owen made together as evangelists to Ethiopia. Owen never used retirement as an excuse to stop working, Curry said. He is a living testimony to the “keep on keeping on” ethic.

Paul Cook, chairman of the board of directors, read an official statement from the board about Owen’s emeritus appointment, and presented Owen with a plaque.

Owen accepted the honor to a standing ovation of more than 1,300 people, and gave a brief acceptance speech. He commented on how richly blessed his life was—much of it tied to his relationship with Florida College. He thanked his family and especially his wife Janelle, of whom he said “continues to be the first lady in my life forevermore.”

Owen concluded by shifting attention to the College. “There is merit in what is done on this campus,” he said emphatically.