New Renaissance Academy Director Well-Known in Community

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Renaissance Academy has a new director, but he is no stranger to the Anderson community.

Bobby McGowens, a long-time educator and legendary local athlete, takes the helm this year at the alternative school program that serves students in all five school districts in Anderson County who have been expelled, court ordered or placed by a home school for remediation.

“Hopefully they can come here and learn skills and tools they need to transition back to their home schools,” said McGowens. “I want them to see this school as a rebirth, a second chance for our students.”

As part of that effort, the school has a new logo, the Phoenix, designed by local artist Shaquille Ellis, representing rebirth and a new start.

McGowens, who played football and basketball at McDuffie High School (which he led to a state basketball championship in 1993), played football at Clemson before transferring to S.C. State where he played football and basketball before receiving his bachelor’s degree in business management. He was the school’s all-time leading receiver when he graduated.

After graduation, McGowens played professional Arena Football from 1999-2002, scoring 30 touchdowns his career, before beginning his career in education.

He then earned a master’s degree in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix, and has spent the past 25 years in education as a teacher, coach and school administrator.

“Bobby McGowens will be a tremendous asset to the Renaissance Academy,” said Dr. Jeff Wilson, assistant superintendent for Anderson School Dist. 1, where McGowens most recently served as assistant principal at Wren Middle School. “He has a heart for kids in the classroom and the ability and experience to be successful at the academy. They are fortunate to have him there.”

McGowens said leading the Renaissance Academy has long been on his bucket list.

“I got into education to help students be successful,” said McGowen. “Leading the Renaissance Academy has been a goal of mine for a long time.”