Albany State student joins Howard University’s pre-Ph.D. program

Albany State University political science senior Leah Cowen took part in Howard University’s competitive Pre-Ph.D. Summer Enrichment Program this summer. The opportunity highlights ASU’s academic pipeline as Cowen prepares for doctoral study and a future in public administration.

Why it matters: - Leah Cowen’s selection puts an Albany State University student into a nationally competitive doctoral pipeline tied to Howard University. - The program gives HBCU students early exposure to graduate research, faculty mentorship and Ph.D. admissions guidance. - Cowen’s participation underscores Albany State University’s role in preparing students for advanced study and public service careers.

What happened: - Albany State University political science senior Leah Cowen of Birmingham, Alabama participated in Howard University’s Pre-Ph.D. Summer Enrichment Program. - Howard designed the program for high-achieving students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. - Cowen was chosen from a select group of students nationwide. - The program ran this summer.

The details: - The program offered intensive exposure to graduate-level research. - Participants received mentorship from faculty scholars. - Students also got guidance on the Ph.D. application process. - Cowen said the experience helped her understand the Ph.D. process, research methods and opportunities beyond academia. - Cowen’s research focuses on how restrictive policies, including zoning and preservation laws, affect housing and community development in rural areas. - Cowen has earned Dean’s List recognition at Albany State University. - Cowen belongs to multiple honor societies. - Cowen has completed more than 400 hours of community service during her time at the university. - Cowen has interned with The Law Offices of Maurice Luther King Jr. and with the Honorable Judge Johnson at Dougherty Magistrate Court. - Dr. Rondrea Mathis, an Albany State arts and humanities faculty member, referred Cowen to the program. - Cowen said Albany State’s Golden Standard Introduction helped her make a strong first impression. - Cowen said her research experience and support from faculty helped prepare her for the program. - Albany State’s Annual Research Symposium also helped build Cowen’s confidence. - Cowen is a member of the Delta Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. - Cowen serves as a Holley Ambassador. - Cowen is involved in the History and Political Science Club and Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society.

Between the lines: - Cowen’s path shows how HBCU students can use research, mentorship and campus leadership roles to build toward doctoral study. - Her focus on housing policy links academic research with community-level challenges. - Her comments point to a broader theme in doctoral preparation: personal purpose and long-term commitment matter as much as credentials.

What’s next: - Cowen plans to pursue a doctorate in Public Administration. - Cowen also wants a career in government. - Albany State said it will continue using mentorship, research opportunities and professional development to prepare students for leadership roles. - The university said it aims to develop scholars who can contribute locally, nationally and globally.

The bottom line: - Cowen’s Howard University placement is both a personal milestone and a sign of Albany State University’s graduate-school preparation pipeline.