Who Was Bowman Foster Ashe? (Coral Gables Historical Figures Spotlight)

 

As the University of Miami (UM) celebrates its centennial, we salute Bowman Foster Ashe, who was recruited to lead the newly chartered school in 1925. By fall 1926, when the first class of 646 full-time students enrolled, the land bust and a major hurricane thwarted any hopes of a speedy recovery in the area. However, due to his tenacious spirit and vision, he kept the university going during its first 15 years despite bankruptcy, reorganization and a world war.

By 1946, more than 5,000 students were registered at UM. When the school first opened, it consisted of a College of Liberal Arts, the School of Music, and the Evening division. During Ashe’s tenure (1926-1952), the school added a School of Law, School of Business Administration, School of Education, Graduate School, Marine Laboratory, School of Engineering, and School of Medicine.

 

Photo Courtesy of the City of Coral Gables

Story Courtesy of the City of Coral Gables

Date Posted: April 9, 2025