Cowan Award for University and Community Service Nomination Form for 2026 is now available

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 death in December 2001. During her time at SMSU, Cowan served as chairperson of the Social Science Department and was active in SmSUFA (IFO union). Cowan 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. 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

Short URL: www.SMSU.edu/go/cowan

SMSU celebrates Black History Month

Southwest Minnesota State University will observe Black History Month with a series of events that include soul food, grocery bingo, open skate night, and screenings of documentary and feature films.

Tuesday, Feb. 17

Free open skate at Red Baron (Co-sponsored by SAC and ODI)

7 p.m. Red Baron Arena

Get your groove on the ice with hot R&B hits from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

Thursday, Feb. 19

“Black Barbie” documentary

7 p.m.

Upper Student Center

Learn about the first black Barbie and what it took for its three creators to bring this vision of inspiration to life.

Sunday, Feb. 22

Free viewing of “Sinners”

7 p.m.

Upper Student Center

Watch the box-office hit about twin brothers and their journey home in the comfort of the Upper Student Center.

All programs are free and open to the public (except Dining Hall meals)

For additional information on programming by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, visit: https://www.smsu.edu/administration/diversityinclusion/black-history-month.html

Marcy D. Olson, BA’93/MBA’05