Thomas Bowman (1817–1914) was an American Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, elected in 1872. He was born 15 July 1817 at Berwick, Pennsylvania.
He earned his B.A. degree from Dickinson College in 1837. Two years later he entered the Traveling Ministry of the Baltimore Annual Conference of the M.E. Church. He was ordained (Deacon and Elder) by Bishop Waugh.
Bowman taught in the grammar-school of Dickinson College (1840–43), and five years later founded Dickinson Seminary in Williamsport, Pennsylvania (of which he was President until 1858). Bowman was then chosen as President (1858–1872) and later Chancellor (1884–99) of Indiana Asbury College, later DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana. He also was the Chaplain of the United States Senate from May 1864 until March 1865.
During his time at DePauw, Bowman presided over such significant events as the first admissions of women students and of the initial planning (and laying of the cornerstone) of East College. He also served on the University's Board of Trustees (1887–95), including a term as President.
Upon his election to the Episcopacy, Bowman resigned the Asbury presidency. As a Bishop he officially visited all M.E. conferences in the U.S.A., Europe, India, China, Japan and Mexico.