William G. Owens, who was born in 1858, graduated from Bucknell University in 1880. While a student, he served as editor for the College Herald, the student newspaper. After graduation, he was appointed as “an assistant to the Principal of the Academy at a salary of $450.00 per annum” where he taught for a time before he was appointed Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences in 1885 at a salary of $1,000.00 per annum. In 1887, Owens was appointed Professor, “…it being understood that the change in title does not involve an increase in salary”. In 1889, he spent part of the year studying at the University of Berlin in Germany. Professor Owens was an active worker in the Baptist Church. He retired in 1935, having served as head of the chemistry department for forty-eight years. In honor of his more than fifty years of service to the University (1880 - 1935), the Board of Trustees retired him on a pension. He was also awarded an honorary Sc.D. William Gundy Owens died in 1951, and he is buried in the Lewisburg Cemetery.

His father and siblings attended the University. His father attended the Academy, but with withdrew from the College of the University at Lewisburg during his freshman year to teach school. After the Civil War, in which he served as a captain, he resumed teaching and ultimately became superintendent of schools in Union County, Pennsylvania. His brother, Everett G., attended the Academy and completed the sophomore year in the College. In 1886, Everett married Carrie G. Loomis, daughter of ex-President Justin R. Loomis. Another brother, John G., graduated from Bucknell University in 1887. Finally, his sister, Mary Catherine, graduated from Lewisburg High School in 1891, and from Bucknell University in 1897.

This photograph of Professor Owens is from the 1920 L 'Agenda.