Cowan Award Nominations Accepted until March 16

Cowan Award for University and Community Service Nomination Form for 2026, Deadline: March 16
The Cowan Award for University and Community Service Nomination Form for 2026 is now available on the Cowan Award web page under the Nominations heading: https://www.smsu.edu/administration/academicdeans/cowan-award.html 

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 her passing, 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.

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

Questions regarding nomination or the award process can be directed to Mark Fokken, Cowan Award Committee Chair, Email: Mark.Fokken@SMSU.edu or CowanAward@SMSU.edu or Phone: (507) 537-7370.

Please submit nominations through the online form by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026. If you use a StarID, please use the on-campus form. If you are a non-employee, please use the off-campus form posted on the Cowan Award webpage: https://www.smsu.edu/administration/academicdeans/cowan-award.html