Dean

Craig Owens

Dean of Bright College
Professor of English

P: 515-271-3876
E: craig.owens@drake.edu

Office & Office Hours: Howard Hall, Room 324

Education: Ph.D., Indiana University—Bloomington August 2003; B.A., DePauw University May 1996

Biography

I joined Drake in 2003 as an assistant professor of English and took on the role of Founding Dean of The John Dee Bright College in 2020. In between, I taught numerous FYS and English courses as an associate professor and, eventually, professor of English specializing in 20th-century drama, and led several university-wide initiatives, including the Center for the Humanities and the Center for Teaching Excellence. I feel fortunate to work in a sector like higher education that is so essential to the success and well-being of those it serves, especially at a place whose mission commits us to responsible citizenship and reflective practice. I continue to pursue my scholarly and creative interests, as well, and I am a husband, father, avid (although slow) runner, a committed foodie, a fully tamed dog owner, and a voracious consumer of crime and suspense television drama, all of which I am always happy to discuss and debate.