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Patricia Cowan, Ph.D., R.N.
UAMS Names Patricia Cowan Dean of College of Nursing
| July 29, 2015 | Patricia A. Cowan, Ph.D., R.N., has been named dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and will begin at UAMS on or before Dec. 1.
Patricia Cowan, Ph.D., R.N.
Cowan succeeds Lorraine Frazier, who left UAMS in January. Jean McSweeney, Ph.D., R.N., associate dean for research and director of the UAMS College of Nursing’s doctoral program and a nationally recognized researcher and educator, has been serving as interim dean since January and will continue until Cowan officially begins as dean.
Cowan currently serves as professor and associate dean for academic and student affairs in the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in Memphis. She has more than 30 years of experience in all areas of nursing including academics, clinical practice and research.
“We have no doubt that Dr. Cowan’s wealth of experience in all areas of nursing will make her a very effective leader of the College of Nursing,” said UAMS Provost Stephanie Gardner, Pharm.D, Ed.D.
Cowan’s research interests include lifestyle interventions in overweight youth and adults and cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes. She participates in a multi-professional research team and is interested in translational research.
“Our College of Nursing is the most comprehensive nursing college in Arkansas with its array of programs led by talented faculty and staff,” said UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn, M.D. “Dr. Cowan’s appointment affirms our continued commitment to preparing nurses to deliver on the UAMS mission of health and health improvement in Arkansas.”
“The faculty and staff in the College of Nursing are excited to have Dr. Patty Cowan join us as the dean,” McSweeney said. “Our college is poised for exceptional growth in education, delivery of health care, and research which are essential components to improve health in the citizens of our state. We expect Dr. Cowan will lead us as we forge new inroads into tackling the important health issues our citizens face every day. I look forward to working closely with her during this time of transition.”
Cowan received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri in Columbia, graduating magna cum laude. She received her master’s degree in adult health nursing from the University of Kansas in Kansas City and her doctorate from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis.
She is a member of the American Heart Association, the American Nurses Association, the Southern Nursing Research Society, and Sigma Theta Tau International, serving on grant and abstract review committees.