Cathy Cowan Award Nominations

The Cowan Award for University and Community Service Nomination Form for 2025 is now available on the Cowan Award web page under the Nominations heading.

Dr. Cathy Cowan served as a Psychology professor at SMSU from 1989 until her untimely death in December 2001. During her time at SMSU, Cathy served as Chairperson of the Social Science Department and was active in SmSUFA (IFO Union). Cathy also served the community and was known for her work ethic and “doing good for others.”

After the untimely death of Dr. Cathy Cowan, the SMSU community sought a way to honor Dr. Cowan’s outstanding service to the University and the region. The Cowan Award was then created. The Award is presented each year at Mustang Ovations to an individual of the SMSU community who represents the many special aspects of the late Dr. Cathy Cowan.

Students, faculty, staff, administrators, and members of the local or regional community may nominate candidates for this award. Nominees must be current SMSU employees with a minimum of five years of service. Self-nominations or anonymous nominations are not accepted. Previous nominees are eligible for re-nomination; however, previous recipients cannot be re-nominated.

Questions regarding nomination or the award process can be directed to Pat Brace, Cowan Award Committee Chair, at: Email: pat.brace@smsu.edu or cowanaward@smsu.edu or Phone: 507-537-7370. Please submit nominations through the online form by 4:30 PM on MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2025. If you use a StarID, please use the on-campus form. If you are a non-employee, please use the off-campus form.