Alumni Spotlight: Randy Cowan

Randy Cowan ('71, Physical Education) credits SUU as the basis for his successful career in education and in the Utah Army National Guard.

Professors Steve Lunt and Cleo Petty made lasting impressions on Randy through their teaching of life lessons through personal interest and example. "With their efforts I developed a love of physical education and helping students," he explains.

Randy's best college memory was meeting his wife Collette and the great times they had during their school years. They met through the Chi Sigma Upsilon Sorority - she was a member and he was honored as "Man of the Year" in 1969.

After graduating from SUU, Randy taught at the old Cedar Jr. High for eight years and then moved to the Utah Army National Guard where he enjoyed a successful 33 year career - 25 years of which he was on active duty. The Guard recognized his remarkable service with the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, several Army Achievement Medals and the State of Utah Solider of the Quarter.

Now retired from the National Guard, Randy is a substitute teacher, test coordinator at Canyon View High School in Cedar City, officiates high school softball in southern Utah and is the basketball coordinator for the Utah Summer Games. He also enjoys golfing, hunting, reading and serving in his church.

Randy and Collette are the parents of four children (two boys and two girls) and 12 grandchildren -- with two on the way. All of the Cowan children, including two of their spouses, graduated from SUU.