Scott Cowen returns to Case Western Reserve University as trustee
by Timothy Magaw | Crain’s Cleveland Business
Scott Cowen — a nationally respected higher education leader who once served as dean of the Weatherhead School of Management — is coming home in a sense as a new trustee at Case Western Reserve University.
Cowen retired earlier this year as president of Tulane University in New Orleans. His tenure at Case Western Reserve — first as a faculty member, then as the Weatherhead dean — spanned more than two decades.
“Scott brings a unique blend of experience within Case Western Reserve and as a nationally respected leader in higher education,” board chairman Chuck Fowler said in a news release. “We are delighted that he now will bring us all of that knowledge and insight as a trustee.”
Cowen earned national recognition for steering Tulane after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the area, ensuring the campus reopened despite $650 million of storm-related damage.
He also assisted with Case Western Reserve’s presidential search that resulted in the appointment of Barbara R. Snyder. He also returned to campus in 2011 and gave the commencement address and accepted an honorary degree.
“I care deeply about the success of Case Western Reserve and am honored by this opportunity to give back to the university,” Cowen said in the release. “The university has gained remarkable momentum since Barbara’s arrival, and I look forward to doing all that I can to help continue that progress.”
Cowen and his wife, Marjorie, still reside in New Orleans.