Joseph F. Rice School of Law
Directory
Chris Cowan
Title: | Executive Director |
Department: | Excellence in Policing and Public Safety Program (EPPS) Joseph F. Rice School of Law |
Email: | CSCOWAN@mailbox.sc.edu |
Phone: | 803-544-1112 |
Office: | 1525 Senate Street Columbia, SC 29208 |
Chris Cowan is recognized internationally for his vast network of private and public partnerships and his expansive policing knowledge, from 32 years in law enforcement. Chris’ extensive experience leading special operations, homeland security, crime suppression, professional development, community policing, media relations and business and community crime prevention units has given him a unique perspective on what it takes to be a guardian to our communities. He also served as a chief financial officer, chief public information officer, commander of special weapons and tactics units and commander of community policing units. He was honored to be named the Chief of a newly formed Police Department (Cayce, SC) where they fostered community partnerships while relentlessly pursued the criminal element that threaten the quality of life and safety of the citizens and communities. This experience has provided Chris with a unique perspective on mitigating challenges to corporate and community quality of life issues because it has been paralleled with 25 years in corporate security, risk management and professional development. His passion is helping to develop holistic leaders who build strategies to provide stability to all citizens, and protect the vulnerable, through programs that create religious, business and neighborhood communities that are the best places to live, work and play.
He is a graduate of the Australian Institute for Police Management, the So. Carolina Executive Institute, Furman University Diversity Leadership Initiative, the FBI National Academy, the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy and the FBI Command College. Chris has been married thirty years and has two children, attends First Presbyterian Church, is a Master Mason, a member of the Board of Directors of the Oliver Gospel Mission and am member of the Austin Wilkes Society’s Foundation.