Bamberg, South Carolina (August 2022) – During its August 8 meeting, the Bamberg County Council paused regular business to honor James W. Bowden, Sr., a two-time Denmark Tech alumnus and the first African-American vice president at Duke Energy, and name him a Bamberg County Ambassador.

The honoree was introduced by Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr., president and CEO of Denmark Technical College, as the academic concluded his annual report to the Council. "I’m thrilled that we chose to name the range after a trailblazer for equality in the power industry and a champion of Denmark Technical College," said Todd. "Our ‘Putting the TECH Back in Denmark Tech’ campaign is proving that a technical education can lead to a lucrative and rewarding career and James Bowden is a shining example of that notion."

The James W. Bowden Sr. Electrical Lineworker Range, launched with a formal ceremony in June, consists of several unpowered lines on standard 40-foot power poles for students to practice their line work. The range, which was sponsored by Santee Cooper, is already in use by the first cohort of lineworker students. "James Bowden has played an invaluable role as a corporate leader and innovator, and we couldn't be more pleased to honor the transformative work he is doing," said Dr. Jonathan Goodman, vice chairman of the Bamberg County Council and a longtime public educator. 

"Bamberg County is now home to new electrical lineworker program, the first of its kind at a South Carolina HBCU. We owe that to Mr. Bowden’s commitment to diversity in the power industry and being a champion of rural communities." 

Bowden graduated from Denmark Tech in 1972 in the electronic technology program and again in 1993 in industrial technology, two degrees that served him well throughout his 42-year career with Duke Energy. Bowden started as an operating service technician in Greenville in 1972 and worked his way up the ladder, becoming Duke Energy’s first African-American vice president in 2005 until his retirement in 2010. 

Bowden currently serves as a Denmark Technical College Area Commissioner and as the president of the Denmark Technical College National Alumni Association.

Spencer Donaldson, an alumnus of Denmark Technical College and chairman of the Bamberg County Council, commended Bowden’s professional career and noted the significance of the new program. "This partnership provides opportunities for future generations to come in our community. Denmark Technical College’s commitment not only to their students, but to the wider community strengthens our efforts aimed toward job growth and economic development." 

Bowden said of being named an official ambassador of Bamberg County, "It was a total surprise to me because my commitment was based only on the fact that this program will change the course of our students’ lives for generations. This is a great community and I am proud to know that the electrical lineworker program at Denmark Tech will enhance the quality of life for the people of Bamberg County."

Students can apply to the program online for free. Students may pay as little as $0 out of pocket. The College may also be able to provide housing assistance.

For more information on this press release, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.

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