The Lead.
A Marion couple is giving local students at Marion Technical College a hand up with a new scholarship fund. The Tammi and Rob Cowell Scholarship Fund will be awarded to a second-year information technology student who graduated from Harding High School.
“We were surprised that there wasn’t a scholarship for Harding students yet,” Rob said. “It’s exciting to be able to do. I love Marion Tech.”
Tammi is a distinguished alumnus of Harding High School. She is also a member of Marion Tech’s Alumni Hall of Fame. Currently, she serves as the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Tri-Rivers Career Center.
Tammi worked at Tri-Rivers. She used scholarships and tuition reimbursement to graduate from Marion Tech debt-free. Now, the Cowells are helping other local students.
“We are pleased to do it,” Tammi said. “I’m proud of the close-knit community. I grew up here. I got an education here. I want to give back here.”
Deep Local Roots
Rob graduated from Ridgedale. He served as a firefighter for 38 years, as well as the safety director. The couple has seen Marion change and grow over the years.
“It was awesome. I love my job,” Rob said. “Marion is resilient.”
“We have a lot of good things in Marion. Many businesses have popped up downtown. We love Marion!” Tammi shared.
Rob worked on a farm in high school and trained as a paramedic at Tri-Rivers. Tammi and Rob met as adults. They married and had children.
As a young, working mother, Tammi found that Marion Tech was a great place to start her education.
Marion Tech Starts Educational Journey
As coworkers encouraged her to continue her education, Tammi found a transfer program where she could take two years at Marion Tech and two years at Mount Vernon Nazarene University to earn her bachelor’s degree. She then earned her master’s degree at MVNU as her career advanced. She has received several statewide awards for excellence and her stewardship of taxpayer funds.
“Marion Tech was a great place to start!” Tammi exclaimed. “You don’t have to stop. It was easy to transfer, and it was a great cost.”
“Marion Tech is a springboard,” said Dr. Ryan McCall, college president. “It has flexible, convenient options to meet your needs, especially for working parents. Our average student age is 27.”
With among the lowest tuition in the state, new scholarship funds make it even more affordable.
“Parents should think about that,” Tammi said. “Both of our children graduated debt-free. That’s a great gift.”
The Cowells’ children are back in Marion. One is a teacher. Their grandchildren are being raised here, too.
Determined to Pay It Forward
Tammi has also been active with Marion Tech after graduation, serving as an advisory committee member for the business program for many years. Cowell said it is important to give back and take pride in the community.
“I carry the values of resilience, respect, and small-town strength in everything I do,” Cowell said.
A Heart For Students
Ellen Messenger has known the Cowells for more than 30 years. After retiring from Tri-Rivers, Messenger now serves as the vice president of the Marion Tech Foundation Board of Directors, which oversees the scholarship program.
“They always have a heart for students and want them to succeed,” Messenger said. “Tammi’s always trying to make things work for students. This is another way for her to help students. I hope this scholarship fund grows!”
Messenger shared the Cowells’ support for Marion Tech. With short-term certificates, associate’s degrees, and now a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, there are many pathways to success close to home.
“I’ve taught here. I believe students should look at Marion Tech first,” Messenger said.
“I appreciate Tammi and Rob’s advocacy for Marion Tech,” said Mike Stuckey, director of the Marion Technical College Foundation. “It’s genuine and from the heart. This is a generous way to help students in need succeed.”
To Donate to the Fund
The first scholarship will be awarded this fall. To donate or learn about all of the scholarships available at Marion Tech, visit the MTC Foundation page.
