Logan Hall’s "Mother Hen"

Day in the Life

Amy Paterson / photo editor Logan Hall housekeeper Peggy Bowman always has a smile on her face - even while taking out the trash and vacuuming.

The residents of Logan Hall probably consider themselves lucky. Peggy Bowman, the housekeeper of the hall, tries hard not only to make the dorm environment clean, but homey as well.

"I like working in one dorm, and getting to know the kids," Bowman said. "I think of myself as their ‘mother hen.’ If I haven’t seen someone in a while, I want to know if they’re okay, where they’ve been."

Bowman even purchased cooking and baking supplies for the dorm so the students can make full use of the kitchen. Logan Hall resident Jacky Allgier said, "She’s so sweet and personable. She checks up on us and always makes a point to ask us how our week is going."

A mother of three and a grandmother of 10, Bowman has spent her life living and working around children. "These kids are so sweet," she said. "Both the girls and the boys are always respectful — they even apologize if they slip out a bad word around me. They also keep their areas pretty clean. I always tell [the residents] I can’t help it if I get the best kids every year."

Bowman and her husband live in nearby Port Republic 12 miles from campus. She leaves her house at 7 every morning and starts work at 7:30. Each day consists of a general clean, where common cleaning tasks are performed. The tasks consist of taking out trash, cleaning the lounge, blinds and floors. A total clean is also performed each day, where one area of the building gets special attention.

While she’s lived in the Shenandoah area her whole life, Bowman only began working at JMU two years ago. Her husband suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, and JMU offers good health benefits. Although her husband was hesitant to see her return to work, Bowman didn’t mind. "I said, ‘Look at me, I’m in fine shape, I can work. The benefits here are tremendous," Bowman said. She leaves JMU to return home at 4 p.m. every day. Her husband often helps with dinner and does much of the household cleaning.

"We’ve been married for 44 years," Bowman said. "He was my high school sweetheart. We’ve been lucky in our marriage — we’re a team."

In her office in Logan is a picture of Bowman and her husband with students from Hoffman Hall. Last year, while working in Hoffman, Bowman invited the residence hall staff to her home for donut making. She plans to invite the Logan Hall staff to her home again this year to make potato chips. "You should’ve seen the kids last year — they were running around with our chickens and bunnies, just like my grandkids do," she said.

"I love working at JMU because these kids are my family. I would do just about anything for them. I feel like I’m the one who’s blessed to be here."

Sophomore Ashley Forman said, "Despite all the hard work she does, she always has a smile on her face, no matter what."