Ken Cowan, MD, PhD, who led the NCI-designated cancer center at UNMC through tremendous growth for more than two decades, died on Sunday.
Services are planned for 4 p.m. on Tuesday (Dec. 17) at Temple Israel, 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive in Omaha. An additional celebration of life will take place on campus at a later time. Dr. Cowan is survived by his wife, Alison Freifeld, MD, professor emeritus of the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases; daughter Eliza; daughter Sara and her husband, Brian Fahey; grandchildren Miriam and Clara Fahey; and extended family and friends.
“Ken Cowan was an exceptional colleague and friend,” said Interim UNMC Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD. “During more than two decades as director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Ken was instrumental in leading the cancer center to sustained research growth, advanced clinical care, and unprecedented national and international recognition. He also was the visionary behind the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center facility. All the while, Ken never lost his personal touch with his patients, with whom he was always kind, patient and understanding. We extend our deepest sympathies to Alison and the entire family.”
Dr. Cowan joined UNMC in 1999 as the director of what was then called the Eppley Cancer Center and the Eppley Institute for Cancer Research. Even after stepping down in 2023 as director of the cancer center and institute, he remained a full-time faculty member and clinician. The NCI-designated cancer center changed its name in 2017 to closely align with the new facility that shared the same name: the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
“I worked closely with Ken on several initiatives during his tenure at UNMC, and at no time was his leadership more evident than during construction of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, still the largest public-private partnership in the history of the state of Nebraska,” said University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD. “Ken’s vision allowed our researchers and clinicians to be located together in one space, all for the betterment of patients. Ken always put the patients first, and his legacy will be felt for generations.”
Dr. Cowan had a distinguished medical and scientific pedigree. After receiving his MD and PhD at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, he completed his residency in internal medicine at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas in 1978 and decided to sub-specialize in oncology. He finished his oncology fellowship at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, in 1981. Dr. Cowan spent 21 years in the Public Health Service at the National Cancer Institute, serving as chief of the Medical Breast Cancer Section, Medicine Branch beginning in 1988. In his NCI position, he was responsible for overseeing laboratory researchers and clinical staff involved in basic and clinical research in breast cancer.
A New York City native, Dr. Cowan earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, and his medical and doctorate degrees from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He has authored more than 240 papers for scientific journals and has been an invited guest lecturer at numerous scientific conferences.
When Dr. Cowan and his wife moved to Omaha in 1999, Dr. Cowan started expanding the Eppley Cancer Center’s clinical research programs almost immediately. As it expanded significantly over the first 10 years, he realized that UNMC needed a new cancer facility to consolidate existing clinical and research programs and also to provide room for growth.
He proposed the idea of a new cancer center to then-chancellor Harold M. Maurer, MD, who saw the need and agreed. So, with the help of philanthropists and the Nebraska Legislature, they raised $323 million for a new facility, shared by UNMC and its primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. This included a lead gift from Pamela Buffett in honor of her husband, Fred Buffett, who died of kidney cancer. The opportunity to help cancer patients now had been expanded tremendously.
Omaha businessman Mike Yanney, who led community support for the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, lauded Dr. Cowan.
“Dr. Ken Cowan was a real pioneer and great leader,” Yanney said. “He will be sorely missed by all of us.”
Said James Linder, MD, CEO of Nebraska Medicine, “I had the honor of working with Dr. Cowan for many years. I believe a measure of a person’s impact is the lives they improve; in his research, leadership and clinical care, Ken excelled by that metric.”
The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center now has more than 250 faculty members working in more than 100 laboratories at UNMC and hundreds of post-doctoral research fellows, lab technicians and PhD students – all with the goal of creating better health outcomes for cancer patients.
“Ken was a leading figure among cancer research-scientists, and his work in leading the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and Eppley Institute was instrumental in improving the lives of the people of Nebraska and beyond,” said Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer and Eppley Institute. “Our sympathies go out to Alison, their two daughters, their extended family and friends.”
Dr. Cowan was known for being a highly empathetic physician. His parents both had cancer, and they both passed away while he was completing his oncology residency at Parkland. He often gave his personal cell phone number and email address to patients, who describe him as approachable and caring.
He said the courage of his patients were inspirational to him.
“I have enjoyed learning about their lives and their families. Patients have taught me to appreciate every day and to be there for others,” he said.
Dr. Cowan was one of UNMC’s all-time greats. He was always kind and caring – never saw him in a bad mood. He will never be forgotten. Condolences to Alison and the family on the loss of this great man.
I was Dr. Cowan”s patient and breast cancer study participant. I am devastated. He was so kind to my family and to me. Although he left the Cancer Center in Dr. Sweasy’s excellent hands, he will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Ken had many, many talents. He was a gifted recruiter. He was a knowledgeable scientist and an exemplary mentor. But he may be best known for how many people he has helped find the care they needed, whether at UNMC or somewhere else. He cared deeply about UNMC and worked hard to grow into the nationally recognized academic center that it has become. For me, he was a trusted colleague and friend whose ‘chats’ I will deeply miss. Jennifer Larsen, MD, Professor Emerita, former Vice Chancellor for Research
Our sympathies to Alison, Eliza, and Sara. So many memories. Peter Coccia, Phyllis Warkentin, and Kathryn Coccia.
I am so deeply saddened to hear the news. He was a great physician scientist and clinician. What a loss for the oncology community. We lost a GIANT of oncology. He will be deeply missed.
My heartfelt condolences to Alison, Eliza and Sara. I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Ken’s death. I had the honor and privilege to work in Ken’s lab at the NCI for 5 years. He was and remained a wonderful mentor. I was deeply appreciative of the advice he gave me on my career path. I was really touched when he found me at one of many meetings at NCI and congratulated me on what I had accomplished and the program I set up, the Experimental Therapeutics Clinical Trials Network (ETCTN). He always remembered. I, and obviously many others, will miss his kindness and compassion. He was an amazing physician scientist. Percy Ivy, MD, Senior Investigator and Program Direct for the ETCTN/IDB/ CTEP/ DCTD/NCI.
Ken was a valued friend and colleague. I express my condolences to Alison, Sara and Eliza and the entire UNMC community.
Dr. Cowan will be greatly missed.
Ken, was incredible to work with and a true visionary. RIP
Dr Cowan was my Dr when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. He was so kind, knowledgeable and interested in me and my family. I was so thankful for his guidance throughout my treatment. He helped us more than you know. My sympathies to his family and friends.
It is with great sadness that we receive the information about Dr. Cowan’s passing. He will be remembered as a transformative leader who profoundly impacted the Eppley Institute and the Buffett Cancer Center. I am personally grateful to him for providing me with an opportunity to start my independent career as an investigator at the Eppley Institute. My wife Ulli and I express our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, and grandchildren.
I’m so sad to hear about Dr. Cowan. He was instrumental in getting the Healing Arts program started at the Buffett Cancer Center. His guidance and support meant the world to me. He was always positive and happy to help in any way he could.
Thinking of Alison and his family in this difficult time.
the epoch passed away with Ken… His heritage is immaculate
and will help us all move forward in science and medicine.
Dr. Cowan was a lifesaver and my doctor when I was diagnosed with two different breast cancers in 2019. He allowed me to text him as we sought UNMC team’s advice and plan. At a frightening time for me, Dr. Cowan was approachable, kind, quite knowledge of current relevant research for my case, and so genuine that it was easy to trust him and the team. I felt like I had a quarterback, and I did. When my husband developed cancer in 2022, Ken was available via phone to guide us and help us get him immediately into the right UNMC specialist. All these gestures mean the world to frightened people. He was much more than a wise, patient clinician, but we’re most grateful for those gifts. Our love and gratitude to Ken’s family. What a life well-lived.
This man was the best doctor I’ve ever had. His bedside manner and caring heart were second to none. I was 17 weeks pregnant when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and he took the time to personally come check in me during chemo treatments, and he was always so gleeful to see my baby at our appointments after she was born. I’ll always treasure the pictures I have of him holding her. I’m so sad to hear that he’s gone, but I know the impacts he made in the field of oncology will last for generations.
Dr. Cowan was an exceptional leader, a dedicated mentor, and a compassionate physician. His contributions to UNMC and the greater community were profound and far-reaching. He will be deeply missed—not only as a visionary leader and mentor but also as a cherished friend to all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
The medical community had lost an outstanding clinician. Dr. Cowan was both my oncologist and my mother’s when we went through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. I can honestly say I have never had a doctor be so compassionate, patient, and kind. He helped navigate scary waters and provided much needed assurance that we were getting the very best care. He even gave me a hug once and it was exactly what I needed at that moment. A truly great physician, researcher, and human being. Condolences to his whole family.
Ken was my mentor and friend since 1986, and I am very saddened to learn of his passing. Ken was a brilliant and creative scientist, and a gregarious, warm and generous physician, administrator and friend. He was among the first to understand how drug resistance limits effectiveness of cancer therapy, and invested his energies in developing strategies to overcome it. He loved his community in Nebraska. I can hear his laugh and feel his hand on my shoulder. I will miss him.
One of the visionary leaders who helped transform UNMC. Dr Cowan was a tender, world class clinician, and a creative force for excellence in cancer research, treatment and prevention. A public health partner from the beginning. May his memory be for a blessing. And may his family feel the fullest embrace of all of us blessed to know him too.
Dr. Cowan was one of the most sincere, present, and deeply curious people I’ve ever had the privilege to know. His brilliance was matched only by his kindness. This is truly heartbreaking news.
Dr Cowan was my Oncologist when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. He was the most genuine and kind man. He sat with you, listened to your concerns, and always asked about my boys. 19 years after my diagnosis he would still see me when I had concerns. I saw him last year and I am thankful beyond words for him and being there for me during my treatments. Dr Cowan, you were an incredible man and doctor. You will be missed.
He was such a caring and remarkable man – we met in 2013 at the Cattlemen’s Ball held at Paxton where our family conducted the auctions that year. A week after the ball my husband was diagnosed with AML and given 4-6 months. Someone told Dr Cowen about this and he reached out to us giving us his cell number if we needed anything-we did see him again at the cancer center in Omaha. My husband passed away the next spring and I have never forgotten Dr Cowen and how much his caring meant at that time. My condolences to his family – RIP Dr Cowen.
I am very sad to hear this. It was a chance encounter on a late Sunday evening at DC National Airport when we both were returning to Omaha from separate cancer meetings that he, familiar with the Comprehensive Breast Center I had set up at Creighton, asked that I visit him at UNMC to talk about joining the great UNMC staff.
Dr Cowan saved my life when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2012. He was absolutely the BEST, hands down. He was genuine, compassionate and made you feel like you were his only patient. What an incredible loss. My heart is broken. 💔
I was only a volunteer at the Cattlemen’s Ball when I was diagnosed with malignant liver tumor. Dr Cowan not only referred to me a great surgeon but visited me twice while I was at UNMC after my surgery. May you rest in peace Dr. Cowan.
I am so saddened to hear of his passing.
What a truly wonderful person, scientist and physician.
My condolences to Alison, his daughters and his entire family.
A beautiful spirit returns to the heart of everything that is love. Rest in peace Dr. Ken Cowan.
Dr. Cowan, we all miss you and your smile.
I just saw this news of his death. Dr Cowan had so many talents it’s hard to acknowledge them appropriately. I was blessed to work with him during my years at UNMC. My heart goes out to his family and all who knew him. He would do all he could to help people and certainly made an impact on the research side as as well. He will be milled
Dr Cowan,
Thanks for getting me through breast cancer 20+ years ago. You really kept my spirits up and kept me fighting. RIP & God speed.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Febr. of 2007 and then in the other breast in Febr. of 2008. Dr. Cowan was my oncologist and continued to see me annually until he stopped seeing patients. Just like he did for all his patients, he gave me his email address to contact him (this was before texts) at any time or day. I so appreciated his accessibility as I had so many questions throughout those two years. My husband, Ken, and I had the privilege of getting to know both he and his wife Alison and we were saddened to hear of his health issues.
My experience with Ken was as a friend, and as a valued consultant when I was diagnosed for a second time, 23 years ago…
He was patient, understanding, caring and thoughtful in all his actions…each interaction was intentional and sincere….
Living with cancer is a constant whirlwind of feelings and uncertainties…..but Ken was the anchor that reassured me…
Condolences to Alison and the family….
Sheryn Joffe
I am so sad to learn of Ken’s passing. He and my husband were great friends and Ken was so supportive during Tom’s illness and was a blessing to me after Tom’s death. In addition to being a great physician, scientist, leader and teacher he was a good, compassionate human being. He will be missed by so many. I send my sincere sympathy to Alison and the rest of the family.
I was fortunate to have been a patient of Dr Cowan long after my Cancer went into remission. I always felt he was as much a friend as my doctor. We talked often about his children growing up and starting to drive and then his joy on the birth of his grandchildren. He was so thrilled. I was a patient from 2000 until his retirement. I remember telling him “so you’re kicking me to the curb” and in his typical way, he said “I’ll always be there for you”. We’ve lost a wonderful caring physician who I found to be one of a kind. God bless him and sincere condolences to his family and all who had the pleasure to know him.
Dr. Cowan was a wise and thoughtful leader of the Eppley Institute and the Buffett Cancer Center. I was very fortunate to have been recruited by him 12 years ago and to have counted him as a mentor. When a family member of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer, he was compassionate and extremely helpful and generous with his time. He will be sorely missed by me as well as by the Eppley Institute and the UNMC community.
Dr. Cowan was pivotal in my career. I was a Medicine Branch fellow at the NIH from 1995-98 under his leadership and wonderful mentorship.
I have such great remembrances of my time with Dr. Cowan and Dr. Freifeld. I mourn his passing and celebrate his life. My deepest condolences to his family and the UNMC community for their loss and the passing of a great man.
I worked as one of Ken’s research nurses at the NCI. Ken was a wonderful mentor for all who knew him and was one of the nicest people that I ever met. He knew everything about his patient’s, and provided compassionate care to each person. He was patient and would always sit with them to make sure that he answered all of their questions.
On a personal note, Ken sold me his Saab when I needed a car. He would always ask me how the car was doing, because he wanted to make sure that it was still running. He would always ask about my four children and kept in touch even after moving to Nebraska.
I remember when he left the NIH to go to UNMC, he was so excited to be going to the Cattleman’s Ball and to meet his idol Warren Buffet. I was able to visit him in Nebraska and he was so proud to show me his new lab, and have the opportunity to help the Nebraska Cancer Institute thrive.
I am so proud to have worked with him and want to send my deep condolences to Allison and his family. He was so proud of your accomplishments in Infectious disease Alison and loved talking about Eliza and Sara and his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
I will always remember Ken as a soft spoken, kind, and very supportive leader of the Cancer Center. Sending Alison and the family my sincerest condolences. Will keep you all in my prayers.