- Assumed the presidency just prio
r to the Great Depression
- Established sound fiscal practices, borne from his own personal frugality. Replaced the deficit with a fund balance of more than $200,000
- Modified the university structure from seven schools to a liberal arts college and a law school, an organization more compatible with the university's resources
- Added the Southern School of Pharmacy located in Atlanta
- Before financial aid for students was established, maintained a personal loan fund that enabled countless students to remain in college
- Dropped intercollegiate football in 1946, requiring a strict non-subsidized intercollegiate athletic program
- Wrote the only published history of the University, covering the period from 1833-1953
- Built Mary Erin Porter Hall, the first dormitory for female students
- Quick bio: (1878-1963); A.B., A.M., LL.D.; spouse: Camille Early (1898)
Dowell was described:
"Though small of stature, Dowell tackled difficult problems with such resoluteness and fearlessness that he loomed large as a leader of indomitable will and strength. Strength and firmness, however, were balanced by human warmth."
r to the Great Depression