By Gerard Flanagan, news writer/photographer/social media, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. –Dr. Pat Cowherd wears many hats, according to Campbellsville Mayor Diane Ford-Benningfield.
“She is not only an amazing, God-fearing woman, she’s also a boss, a mom, a mammie and truly a gift of God to everyone,” Ford-Benningfield said. “I’m sure all of us here can attest to her amazing love of the community and students and fellow coworkers.”
Ford-Benningfield, in a ceremony Nov. 13 at the Alumni & Friends Park at Noe Plaza, presented Cowherd, dean of the School of Business, Economics and Technology and professor of business at Campbellsville University, with a proclamation declaring Nov. 13 as Pat Cowherd Day in the City of Campbellsville during the third annual Patricia H. Cowherd Scholarship Fund Ministry Walk.
Cowherd has served as the dean of the School of Business, Economics and Technology, and professor of business since 2001. Cowherd began her career at Campbellsville University as registrar, serving in the role from 1977 to 1983. Cowherd has taught at Campbellsville University since 1986.
She received her Bachelor of Science from Campbellsville College in 1977 and received her Master of Arts in Education from Western Kentucky University in 1980.
She earned her Doctor of Philosophy at Nova Southeastern University in 2000. Her dissertation was titled, “A Study to Determine Technological Skills and Competencies Needed for Office Employment as Reported by Selected Employers in the South Central Kentucky Lake Cumberland Area Development District.”
Ford-Benningfield said Cowherd is proof that hard work can lead to great success.
“She’s a great example of climbing the ladder in the educational system,” Ford-Benningfield said.
Dr. Wes Auberry, assistant professor of business, said the scholarship is focused on helping students.
“It’s a tribute and legacy scholarship for Dr. Pat Cowherd … but it’s also to honor each one of you,” Auberry said. “We’re here to help you. We care about your success, as I always tell you in all my classes. That involves helping you financially.”
Auberry said just under $10,000 has been raised since Sept. 1 toward the scholarship.
“That’s phenomenal,” he said. “We couldn’t be happier.”
Dr. Frank Cheatham, who retired as senior vice president for academic affairs and professor of math and computer science in 2014, said Cowherd’s list of accomplishments is long.
“It takes you an hour to read all of her accomplishments,” Cheatham said. “There’s no way I could say anything that would truly represent what she’s meant to Campbellsville University.”
Cheatham also described Cowherd, recipient of the 2004 Tenured Faculty Award at Campbellsville University, as a problem solver.
“Pat would say, ‘I’ve got this problem,’ and I’d say, ‘What should you do about it?’ and she’d do it,” Cheatham said. “I didn’t have to worry about it. I never heard about it again. She took care of those problems.”
Cowherd said she is glad to see the scholarship benefit students.
“It’s not often you get a scholarship named for you when you’re still alive,” she said. “Usually, you have to die for this honor. But, I am so glad I am going to be alive to see some of you get the money from the scholarship to help fund your education. I hope you will continue to get these funds for many years to come.”
Approximately 100 students participated in the walk.
Chrys Hines, associate professor of business and computer information systems, said Cowherd is a “great Christian woman.”
“She prays over all decisions and does what she feels the Lord would have her do,” Hines said.
According to Hines, Cowherd is a great example of a boss and is committed to Campbellsville University.
“She is always fair, listens to all sides of the issue before making a decision and is very professional,” Hines said.
“She has a great love for Campbellsville University, and it shows in her dedication to both the university and the students. She never hesitates to go the extra mile for them. Personally, I could not ask for a better mentor and friend.”
Cowherd and her husband, James Morris, live in Greensburg. They have two children: Russ Cowherd and Brooke Dickinson, assistant professor of business at Campbellsville University; and five grandchildren: Addy, Brady, Ava, Blakely and Jalen.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 12,000 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.