Richard J. McCowan, Ph.D., professor emeritus at the State University College at Buffalo, passed away peacefully in his home on Jan. 3, 2018, on the birthday of his late wife, Mary Elisabeth Coyle McCowan. He is survived by his daughters, Mary McCowan Zogaria, Maura (Kevin) McCowan Rustowicz and Dr. Sheila (Daniel) McCowan Donovan. He was predeceased by a fourth daughter, Kathleen Mary McCowan. He was the proud grandfather of Michael (Kathryn) McCowan, Kathleen Mary, James Patrick, Anthony John, Margaret Mary Hogan, Mary Elisabeth Coyle, Sean Christian, Emma Quinn and Daniel Liam.
McCowan graduated magna cum laude from St. John's University in 1953. He received his M.A. in English literature from Niagara University in 1954. He earned his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from St. John's University in 1965. He was licensed in school psychology, secondary education, guidance counseling, and as a principal, chief school district administrator and instructional administrator-director of research.
He retired from his teaching position as a professor of educational foundations in 1989 and assumed a full-time position with the State University of New York Research Foundation as director of the Research and Evaluation Group for the Center for Development of Human Services. In 2009, he was promoted to senior director for administration and research.
He had extensive experience in administration, teaching, and evaluation research. As a graduate professor at Buff State from 1971 through 1989, he taught advanced techniques of counseling, research, statistics and computer applications. He initiated and chaired the M.S. in Educational Computing program for Buff State and was associate director for evaluation for the Center for Applied Urban Research and Development from 1980 to 1985. From 1969 to 1971, McCowan was director of the Research and Development Complex at Buff State. He was director of the Campus Laboratory School and the Child Study Center, as well as several federally and state supported programs, from 1968 to 1971.
From 1966 through 1968, he was chief of the Bureau of School and Cultural Research of the New York State Education Department and administered the $1 million Experimental and Innovative Programs, which supported research and innovation in public schools and universities in New York state.
From 1964 to 1966 in the Eden Central Schools, McCowan was director of guidance with responsibility for guidance, psychological, health, and special education services. He also was coordinator of federal funds for the district. He was a counselor at Farmingdale Senior High School from 1961 to 1964. From 1957 through 1961 he was a counselor and English teacher in Baldwin Junior High School. He was an assistant dean of students at Niagara University from 1955 through 1957.
He was the editor of the "Journal for Industry-Education Cooperation" and the "Child Study Journal." He authored more than 100 publications, including refereed articles, books, chapters, monographs and reports and made more than 120 professional presentations. He was principal investigator or project director for more than $7.5 million of competitively awarded grants and collaborated on Center for Development of Human Services proposals for more than $150 million.
McCowan was a consultant to the U.S. Office of Education, the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, the New York State Senate, the state Education Department, state Department of Social Services, the New York State Power Authority and numerous colleges, universities, and school districts. Recently, he served as an external evaluator for Title III programs conducted by Niagara County Community College and Buff State.
McCowan was a U.S. Army veteran and served as a personnel sergeant with the 9th AAA Group in Japan from July 1955 to April 1957, when he was awarded a direct commission as a 2nd lieutenant. He was honorably discharged in September 1965 as a 1st lieutenant.
McCowan was very active in his community. He served four terms on the Grand Island Board of Education, including six years as president and two years as vice president. In his spare time, McCowan was an avid gardener and enjoyed reading and spending time with his daughters and grandchildren.
