Otis Bowen

Otis R. Bowen

Otis Ray Bowen (February 26, 1918 – May 4, 2013) was an American politician and physician who served as the 44th Governor of Indiana from 1973 to 1981 and as the 16th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services from 1985 to 1989 under President Ronald Reagan.

Early Life and Education

Otis Bowen was born in Fulton County, Indiana. He attended Indiana University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1939. He then went on to receive his M.D. from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1942.

Medical Career

After completing his medical degree, Bowen served in the United States Army Medical Corps during World War II. Following his military service, he returned to Indiana and established a family medical practice in Bremen, Indiana.

Political Career

Governor of Indiana

Bowen entered politics and was elected as the Governor of Indiana in 1972. He was re-elected in 1976, becoming the first governor of Indiana to serve two consecutive four-year terms. During his tenure, he focused on tax reform, healthcare, and education.

Secretary of Health and Human Services

In 1985, President Ronald Reagan appointed Bowen as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. In this role, he was involved in the administration's response to the AIDS crisis and worked on various health policy initiatives.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving public office, Bowen returned to Indiana and continued to be active in public service and healthcare advocacy. He passed away on May 4, 2013, in Donaldson, Indiana.

See Also

• List of Governors of Indiana
• United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Ronald Reagan