The Bowie Center:
A History of Dedication to Education
Our History
The Bowie Reading and Learning Center began in Nashville in 1998. Our founder, Dr. Bobby Bowie, wanted to create a center that would address the reading issues that held back so many students from achieving their full potential.
Making a commitment to keep Bobby’s legacy and vision alive after his unexpected and tragic passing, the Bowie family moved The Bowie Center to our hometown of Memphis in the spring of 2006. Bobby’s dream continues to live on through the success of each child who attends The Bowie Center.
The Bowie Center has now reached far beyond Bobby’s initial focus on reading support to include both an accredited full day school and a complete tutorial program. We hire talented tutors who believe in the Bowie philosophy that all students are individuals with the ability to achieve great things. At The Bowie Center, we focus on the whole child, building confidence as we strengthen both the student’s academic and social skills.
Robert "Bobby" Bowie, Ed.D.
1957–2003 Founder and director of Bowie Reading and Learning Center
Dennis Harold Bowie, Ed.D.
1931–2014 President and CEO of Harding Academy Memphis for 37 years, prior to co-founding Bowie Reading and Learning Center
Patsy Ruth Bowie
1931–2013Preschool Supervisor, Harding Academy of Memphis for more than 30 years.