Dr. Richard Cowan graduated magna cum laude and first in his graduating class from Shroter in 1964, and returned after earning his Ph.D., in 1969. He has helped in numerous capacities while at Shorter, serving the athletic department as Faculty Athletic Representative, as well as a member of the conference eligibility committee for over 30 years.

Respected nationally, Cowan has been an invaluable resource to the NAIA on eligibility issues and has served as Eligibility Chair for the Hawks' and Lady Hawks' conference from 1986 to 2012. He served as Athletic Director from 1979-1992 and was voted Athletic Director of the Year in 1992 while being honored that same year as the College's Teacher of the Year.

Cowan currently serves as Shorter's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance.