Mike Bowling, February 13, 1954 — August 15, 2025, Chapel Hill, NC
I was heartbroken to learn that my friend and former colleague Mike Bowling passed away suddenly last week. Mike was a true servant scholar. Whip-smart, he was also completely devoid of ego and his patience and devotion to students were legendary. He told panicked students on the first day of his biostatistics class that they would conquer their "stats phobia" by the end of the semester--and they inevitably did. His legacy will live on in the hundreds of public health practitioners, researchers, and public servants he trained, out there doing good work (and understanding odd ratios). Mike loved quirky humor, craft beer, Bordeaux, and most of all his family. He will be missed by many.
Some of Mike's former MPH students have asked me how to make a donation to our department in Mike's honor to help support the students he cared so much about. You can do so here: https://give.unc.edu/donate?f=444475&p=soph"
We are saddened by the recent loss of Dr. Mike Bowling, who served as a distinguished faculty member in our Department of Health Behavior for several decades. Mike was a wonderful individual and a cherished member of our faculty. He taught the Introduction to Biostatistics course and was beloved by students who adored his quirky sense of humor and his dedication to helping students who struggled with statistics. As an award-winning teacher, he made complex statistical concepts accessible, engaging, and enjoyable.
I was fortunate enough to work with him on several tobacco control studies and large surveys. We all looked forward to meeting with him given his deep knowledge of statistics and survey design, but what truly set him apart was his kindness, easy going nature, and passion for life.
Following his retirement, he and his wife Denise enjoyed taking over a dozen trips to Bourdeux, France. He also took great pleasure in spending time with his children and grandchildren.