Cowan Has Played Instrumental Role in Colo. School of Professional Psychology’s Growth
By Anonymous
Emory G. Cowan Jr. believes everyone can benefit from life-long learning.
The former Vietnam veteran earned numerous combat medals and commendations before serving as an Army chaplain.
After retiring as a lieutenant colonel, his focus shifted to counseling and higher education.
A former faculty member of the Army’s Chaplain Center and School, Troy State University and the San Francisco Theological Seminary, Cowan teamed with colleagues during 1998 to start the state’s first graduate degree school dedicated to educating master’s and doctoral mental health professionals.
Today, enrollment at the University of the Rockies is approaching 500 students.
Cowan took time recently to tell CSBJ about himself and his organization.
Organization: The University of the Rockies LLC and its accredited college, The Colorado School of Professional Psychology.
Position: President/CEO
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
How long have you lived in Colorado Springs: Since April 1, 1989
Education: Associate degree from Young Harris College, bachelor’s degree from LaGrange College, master’s degree in divinity from Emory University, master’s degree in education from Boston University, master’s degree from Long Island University, and Ph.D. from Saybrook Graduate School, San Francisco, Calif.
A few words about your organization: We are recognized by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education as a Category I degree granting intuition, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and are members of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
In September, the school was acquired by Bridgepoint Education, one of the country’s fastest growing educational companies. COSPP is now an accredited college within the University of the Rockies.
Recent accomplishments: Leading COSPP through acquisition by Bridgepoint Education of San Diego, Calif. This has allowed a new organization to emerge, the University of the Rockies, which in turn will allow for additional graduate school development.
Biggest career break/accomplishment: Being one of the founders of The Colorado School of Professional Psychology, leading it through the accreditation process and developing the Switzer Community Counseling Center.
The toughest part of your job: Getting community recognition for what a small group of people has accomplished in nine years. We created an organization with an annual economic impact of nearly $10 million dollars on this community, and created a clinic that provides about $700,000 a year of pro bono mental health treatment to individuals and families who have no insurance.
Someone you admire: My staff, faculty and students for their commitment to excellence, their scholarship and dedication to the mission of this school.
About your family: My wife, Margie, and I enjoy our seven grandchildren, traveling and relaxing at our ranch in the southern Colorado mountains.
Something else you’d like to accomplish: Before I retire, I hope to see The University of the Rockies continue to grow as a center of excellence and to provide affordable education for qualified adult learners, both in the classroom and online.
How your business will change during the next decade: We anticipate growing from a small master’s and doctoral program in psychology to a university with several thousand students enrolled in programs leading to degrees in other fields.
What book are you currently reading? “Einstein: His Life and Universe” by Walter Isaacson.
What is the one thing you would change about Colorado Springs? We have excellent community with strong police, fire and health care delivery systems, but we must work to maintain a viable downtown.
Credit: CSBJ Staff Report
(Copyright 2007 Dolan Media Newswires)
(c) 2007 Colorado Springs Business Journal, The. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.