After serving in private practice with a large Kansas City--based law firm, he joined the University of Missouri System as General Counsel 2008.
The UM System, headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, includes four doctoral granting public research universities and a fully integrated academic medical center.
[3] During the time Owens was Interim President, the university faced an 8% reduction in state support and a projected $42 million revenue shortfall, but balanced its $2.7 billion budget and provided faculty and staff with their first pay raise in three years.
[2][6] He also expanded the University's ethics hotline and promulgated a rule reiterating academic freedom for faculty and protecting classroom discussions for students.
Looking to get stability for its athletic program and budget, Owens worked with the university's governing board and campus leaders to move the school to the SEC.
The football team reached the SEC championship game and won the Cotton Bowl, and Owens served as head of the official delegations.
[11] After his announcement, the University's governing board passed a resolution honoring Owens for his achievements and granting him the title of General Counsel Emeritus.