ASUI President Max Cowan isn’t one of the most difficult people to recognize on campus. But he’s also one of the most approachable people according to co-workers and fellow students. Accompanying his thick-soled Dr. Martens boots, nose ring and tucked in button-down shirt, is always a warm smile.
Philip Vukelich | Argonaut
ASUI President Max Cowan serves cookies to incoming UI students at the President’s Barbecue Sunday on the Administration Lawn. Cowan is serving his first term as ASUI president, and this is his third year of involvement in ASUI.
Cowan, a double major in chemistry and international studies has been involved with ASUI since his first year at the University of Idaho and said he has enjoyed working up to his current leadership position.
“After serving two terms as an ASUI senator, I decided that I wanted to take the next step,” Cowan said. “I felt that I had the skills that I needed and that I was qualified to do the work of the ASUI president.”
Director of Student Involvement Colleen Quinn said that she has watched Cowan try new things the past year that are going to have a lasting effect on ASUI and the university as a whole.
“He is not afraid of asking tough questions or rise up to a challenge,” Quinn said. “And I think that is really powerful in a student leader.” Cowan said he spent his summer transitioning into the role of president by traveling to Washington DC to represent UI students in federal financial aid debates.
“Having to worry about the cost of higher education and how you are going to pay for it, is a real impediment to student success,” Cowan said. “Making sure that students are able to attend the University of Idaho is something I am passionate about voicing, this upcoming year.”
When he is not on the frontline fighting for the representation of students, Cowan is going to classes, doing homework and working a part-time job.
“Over the summer, I worked delivering newspapers,” Cowan said. “I would wake up at 4 a.m. and spend a few hours with that job before I would come into the office.” Cowan is also a member of Moscow Undergraduate Mock Trial — a club that prepares a legal case and competes against other schools.
Clare Haley, Cowan’s close friend and member of the club, said that Cowan has a gift for one specific role.
“Max is really good at being an expert witness, it’s what he really likes to do,” Haley said. “He likes to number crunch and get into the nitty-gritty, scientific details, which might relate to why he’s been successful in ASUI.”
Haley said while Cowan may be intelligent and driven, he also delivers in the friend department as well.
“Max is super funny and fun to hang out with, and he really loves to share, sharing is probably one his best traits,” Haley said. “It’s nice to work with someone who is so easy to talk to.”
Cowan said that even though he is busy carrying out his responsibilities, he still manages to find time to do the things that he enjoys. Cowan’s hobbies include cooking, hiking, graphic design, volunteering for the Women’s Center and attending as many university sanctioned events as possible.
Despite his full schedule, Cowan said what he is really looking forward to this year is connecting with more UI students.
ASUI Vice President Taylor Williams said that Cowan’s ability to relate and listen to students is unparalleled by anyone else in the ASUI office.
“His office is open,” she said, “To anyone and everyone. And if you ever have a question, or there’s something you’re passionate about, or want to start at UI, or anything… feel free to always come up to his office.”
Amber Emery can be reached at [email protected]
