Mary Cowan is an accomplished PhD in Educational Leadership & Higher Education Candidate with a 17-year program leadership and teaching history.

Having earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Radiologic Science in 2003 at Briar Cliff University, Mary began her career with Cherokee Regional Medical Center as a Radiologic Technologist in 2002. Transitioning her clinical training and experience to the academic arena in 2003, she served as a Clinical Supervisor and Adjunct Faculty Member at Iowa Central Community College and taught undergraduate Radiologic Technology students. Subsequently recruited by Northwest Iowa Community College to launch a new ground-up Radiologic Program, Mary has served as Program Director since 2005. After a successful program introduction, she was instrumental in securing the JRCERT accreditation for NCC and positioned the college with a highly-respected academic status and a new program offering. Characterized as an influential leader and skillful communicator, Mary consistently builds trusting business, community, and staff relationships, engenders team consensus, and inspires team achievement.

Credited as a highly-effective mentor and motivator, Mary skillfully bridges the gap between institutional vision, program ideation, and implementation and inspires others to achieve their professional best.

Born and raised in the Midwest, Mary is grounded in traditional values and passionate in seeking the advancement of education and the academic arena. Favoring an eclectic and servant-leadership model, she serves on numerous quality improvement committees and works creatively and collaboratively with people on all organizational levels in the interest of maximizing student-centered learning opportunities and instructional delivery.