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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Richard Cowart of Louisville, Tenn., has been named The University of Alabama Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumnus Recipient for 2005.

Cowart, a native of Lanett, graduated from UA in 1957 with a degree in general business administration. Before retiring in 1989, Cowart served as personnel/industrial relations management staff for West Point Manufacturing Co., planning director for Manpower, and vice president of Hugh Cotney Timber and Land Management.

Cowart has remained highly involved in the National Alumni Association by serving as NAA President in 1995. He has also served as president of the Chambers/ Randolph County Alumni Chapter and the East Tennessee Alumni Chapter. He continues to be actively involved in East Tennessee Chapter by promoting events and recruiting local high school students.

Cowart is active in his community through his involvement with the Alabama and Tennessee Kiwanis Clubs, Alabama Forestry Association, the American Red Cross, the Springwood Board of Trustees, and the United Fund.

The Alabama Alumni Association annually awards alumni that demonstrate loyalty and service to The University of Alabama. The recipients are chosen based on their character and personal life, their professional achievements and success in chosen endeavors, and community service on both local and state levels.