Elliott T. Bowers was the ninth president of SHSU (1970-1989), serving the third longest term of that office.

A graduate of Mexia High School, Bowers received his bachelor's degree in music from SHSU in 1941, and a master's degree a year later. He received his doctorate in education from the University of Houston in 1959. After service in the Air Foree, Bowers returned to Huntsville to work in administration, becoming vice president for university affairs and dean of students, becoming interim president for two years in 1962.

During his 19-year administration, nine major facilities were constructed on campus and the student body grew to over twelve-hundred.

Bowers was awarded Distinguished Alumnus honors in 1976.

Upon his retirement he was also honored with the title president emeritus. The stadium and a section of Twentieth Street were renamed in his honor.