B.D. Owens

Bobbie Deen Owens (also known as B. D. Owens) (born January 17, 1935) was a university president of University of Tampa, Northwest Missouri State University and St. Matthew's University

Owens is a 1959 graduate of Northwest (the only alumnus to become president). He received a phD from the University of Pennsylvania. He taught at Bowling Green University. Working on an American Council on Education grant he trained one year under President Elvis Stahr at the University of Indiana.

Owens was the youngest president of the University of Tampa when he was appointed in 1971. Adding to the celebrity expectations David Brinkley attended his inauguration in Oct. 2, 1972.

Tampa had just attempted to elevate its program to championship level. Tampa Stadium was built. The team in the preliminary stages of joining Division I defeated the Miami Hurricanes in 1970 31-14 prompting the Hurricanes to hire away coach Fran Curci in 1971. The team was formally accepted into Division I in 1971. In 1972 the team beat Miami again 7-0 and won the Tangerine Bowl.

1973 NFL draft included team members John Matuszak, Paul Orndorff and Wilbur Grooms.

However attendance did not pick up with the success. Owens reported that $755,000 from the university endowment had been spent on the program from 1972 to 1974 and that rate the program would soon bankrupt the college. The Trustees cancelled the program at the end of the 1974 season. Reports at the time said Owens had to carry a weapon because of threats.

...
Wikipedia