Dean's achievements make her a living legend in nursing

By Elaine Schmidt

The American Academy of Nursing will honor Marie Cowan as an extraordinary role model this month by presenting her with its Living Legend Award, one of the top distinctions in the nursing profession.The tribute's name couldn't be more fitting, as it crowns a 46-year career in which the School of Nursing dean has pioneered the role of nurses in academia.

When she retires from the dean's suite in June, Cowan will leave behind a wide wake of achievements that have tangibly altered the face of nursing in California and the nation.

Editor's note: Marie Cowan died on Feb. 22. See In Memoriam.

"I have had many high points in my long career," recalled Cowan. "But one of the best was serving as dean of the UCLA School of Nursing."

Last year, she helped combat the state's severe nursing shortage by spearheading the re-opening of the first UC undergraduate nursing program. Applications for the 50 slots for pre-R.N. students in the UCLA School of Nursing's bachelor of science program immediately poured in.

Cowan also collaborated with faculty to design an entry-level master's program to train 50 students with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines to become clinical nurses. Combined, the new programs will double the school's enrollment in three years.

"Marie has an exceptional ability to accomplish the seemingly impossible as a result of her astute business sense and ability to engage faculty," observed Adeline Nyamathi, associate dean for academic affairs at the nursing school.

Cowan recruited more than 20 new faculty to the school, expanding its research capacity and restoring its reputation as one of the top 10 nursing schools in the nation.

Under her leadership, faculty developed UC's first online degree program in nursing administration. She also established a bioscience curriculum for UCLA's doctoral program in nursing.

Arriving at UCLA in 1997, Cowan swiftly developed a reputation as a strong leader with innovative ideas and a knack for building consensus to translate ideas into reality. As chair of the university's council of professional-school deans since 1998, she persuasively presented her colleagues' concerns and input to the chancellor's cabinet.

"Marie Cowan is a powerhouse of a leader," said Gerald Levey, dean of the David Geffen School of Medicine and vice chancellor of medical sciences. "She is fearless about thinking outside the box, identifying what is best for UCLA and creating strategies to move forward."

On a national scale, Cowan set the agenda for nursing research by serving on the first National Institutes of Health peer review group for her profession. Her own studies focus on cardiovascular science, and she has published more than 110 articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Cowan will be stepping down as dean for a one-year sabbatical, then will return to UCLA to teach, mentor faculty and continue her research.

"The timing is perfect for a new dean at the nursing school," she noted with satisfaction. "The faculty, student body, and academic and research programs continue to grow. This school is in great shape."