Mike Bower

With an extensive public relations background in myriads of industries, as well as a wealth of experience in sports journalism, Mike Bower has much expertise to share with students at Biola. Believing that concepts are best learned when they are put into practice, Bower provides many opportunities for students in his classes to obtain practical experience, whether it's compiling press kits, participating in mock press conferences or visiting press boxes of professional sports venues in Los Angeles. With the many contacts he's made during his years in the industry, he is also able to help students land prime internships once they are ready to put their skills into practice in the real world.

Bower's experience on the sports side includes reporting and editing for numerous newspapers in Southern California and preparing sports reports for KNX news radio. He served as producer and host of the "Sports Mike" cable television show, and has also been involved in sports marketing efforts for clients such as the USC Athletic Department and AMF/Voit. Additionally, he served for seven years as the sports information officer for Cerritos Community College.

Previously, Bower served as president and account supervisor for The Bower Agency, Inc., a marketing communications firm in Orange County which handled campaigns for clients in many different industries. He has also handled public relations efforts for Vanguard University, the American Cancer Society and the Walnut Valley Unified School District.

Bower's expertise extends into the non-profit sector, as well, having been involved in fundraising efforts for several organizations including Boy Scouts of America, the American Cancer Society, the YMCA, Youth for Christ/Campus Life, and the Boys and Girls Club of Buena Park.

He is active in the Public Relations Society of America and has won numerous awards from that organization's Orange County chapter, including a record eight for his expertise in planning and coordinating special events.

Bower has taught at several other institutions in addition to Biola, including USC; California State University, Fullerton; California State University, Long Beach; Cal State Dominquez Hills; Vanguard University; and Pepperdine University. He holds his bachelor's degree in communications from California State University, Fullerton and a master's degree in public relations from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School of Communication.

Bower and his wife, Jennifer, have three children and reside in Buena Park, where he serves on the Fine Arts Commission and is active in civic theatre.