The Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies was founded in 1970 through the efforts of John A. Ewing, M.D., who served as its first director, and . Their vision and commitment, along with that of Representative Sam Johnson, led the Bowles Center and the state of North Carolina to the forefront of research into the causes of alcoholism, the search for its prevention, better treatment, and cure.
Skipper Bowles realized the importance of alcoholism research and believed that this disease had its roots in the complex workings of the human brain and genetics. Time, research and financial support have shown that Bowles was right. Since 1994, under the direction of Fulton T. Crews, Ph.D., the Center is now internationally recognized as a leader in the field of alcoholism and addiction medicine.
The Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies and its clinical partner, UNC Health Care's Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program, unite researchers, physicians, and therapists from diverse fields into a focused, multidisciplinary team.