WHEREAS, Dr. Julie Gore Fowler served with distinction on the Winthrop Board of Trustees for eight years as the designee of the former State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Molly Spearman; and
WHEREAS, while performing her extensive board service, she cheerfully chaired various committees of note including, most recently the search committee for the 12th president, Dr. Edward A. Serna ’02; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Fowler executed the role of presidential search committee chair with positivity and efficiency for the duration of the search, acting as liaison with the consulting team as well as spokesperson between the committee and the campus; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Fowler is currently superintendent of Spartanburg School District Three, following her dedicated service as director, dispute resolution officer, and liaison for the South Carolina State Department of Education; and
WHEREAS, she rose through the ranks in several other districts throughout South Carolina, including serving as superintendent of Abbeville School District, deputy state superintendent for college and career readiness, assistant superintendent of Greenwood County Schools, director of special services and student support services, and director of curriculum and instruction for McCormick County School District; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Fowler began her teaching career in 1985 following successful completion of her special education degree program at Winthrop and subsequently earned her master’s degree in 1988 from Winthrop; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Fowler has exhibited throughout her distinguished career a caring heart for all students as she eagerly sought teaching and leadership experiences from pre-school through college while working at eight school districts as well as Clemson University;
THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Trustees, the President, and the Winthrop University faculty, staff and students do hereby convey their deep respect and profound gratitude to Dr. Julie Gore Fowler, and do commend her for outstanding meritorious service to the Board of Trustees of Winthrop University.
Approved this 23rd day of June, 2023