Professor Robert Cowen
It is with deep regret and great sadness that we announce the death of Professor Robert (Bob) Cowen (CESE President 2004 – 08).
Our dear colleague, mentor, and friend passed away following cardiac arrest on Tuesday 13 June in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Bob was born in Darlington, England, in 1938 and studied at LSE (International Relations) and Institute of Education University of London (Comparative Education). After working in SUNY Buffalo, USA, and La Trobe University, Australia, he joined the Institute of Education in 1976.
Bob was a well-loved and respected academic who did much to promote the study of comparative education at difficult times across Europe and the world, as well as to support and enrich our Society. The importance of his contribution to the many worlds of comparative education over more than half a century cannot be overstated.
In addition to being an excellent scholar, he was a humble and inspiring mentor who was adored by his former and current students. In a talk to students in Cyprus last year he was asked about the future of Comparative Education. He replied ‘I will die a happy man if I have helped to leave the field in safe hands.’ Bob trained a generation of doctoral students who have emerged, or are emerging, as leaders in the field.
Our love and thoughts and deepest sympathies go to his beloved wife Maria and family.
