69, dean of the UCLA School of Nursing since 1997, died February 22 of colon cancer. During her time as dean, Cowan implemented a baccalaureate nursing program and a master's program in nursing for students with a baccalaureate in another field. Cowan was a strong mentor who guided many nurses toward careers in academia.
"I owe my career to her," says UCLA professor Mary Woo, DNSc, RN, who attributes her success in securing grant funding from the National Institutes of Health to Cowan's help.
"Marie touched so many lives and truly was a 'living legend,' an honor bestowed on her by the American Academy of Nursing," says Joan Shaver, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean of nursing at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a former classmate of Cowan's.
Over her career, Cowan served on the faculties of Seattle University and University of Washington. She performed NIH-funded research in cardiovascular science and worked with the American Heart Association's Council on Cardiovascular Nursing.
Cowan was "incredibly generous" in sharing reassurances and information about what to expect from cancer treatment, says Kathleen Dracup, DNSc, RN, FNP, FAAN, dean of nursing at University of California, San Francisco, and a former professor at the UCLA School of Nursing. Cowan visited Dracup's mother when she was facing surgery for colon cancer.
Cowan is survived by her husband, a son, two daughters, a sister, two brothers, and five grandchildren.
Jennifer Moser