Another changemaker will be out in the world when Brian Cowles, Sr. graduates with his degree in international and political affairs this Saturday. Although a St. Louis native, his heart and home reside in Joplin.
Cowles came to Missouri Southern in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the plan was to keep his mind fresh, Cowles also found that education opened many doors and offered opportunities that Cowles didn’t think were attainable.
“I’ve always wanted to be a professional, but for much of my life, I didn’t realize college was a possibility for me,” he said. “When I found MSSU, I discovered a supportive community and opportunities I never thought were available. My motivation came from a desire to improve myself, build a better tomorrow, and make a positive impact on the world.”
Cowles describes his time in the political science department as “priceless.” The faculty’s dedication and passion inspired him, giving him a foundation to build the rest of his future.
“The knowledge and skills I gained here exceeded my expectations and opened doors to opportunities I hadn’t even imagined,” he said.
Cowles served in various roles in campus organizations while pursuing his degree. He was the president of both American freshman honor society, Phi Eta Sigma, and Pre-Law Pride, a student group for those interested in a career in the legal field. Pre-Law Pride members hosted events, collaborated on projects, and supported one another in their academic and career goals. Cowles also served as secretary of Student Senate and held an executive position on the Political Science Association, which was offered to him by Dr. Nicole Shoaf, associate professor in the Justice Studies department.
“Dr. Shoaf gave me this opportunity, giving me the chance to engage deeply in discussions about politics and policy,” Cowles said. “As secretary of Student Senate, I worked on initiatives to improve campus life. My leadership roles have taught me so much about teamwork, organization, and making a difference.”
His post-grad plan is to attend law school in Fall 2026 after his son Brian Jr. (better known as Pup) completes kindergarten. But Cowles’ long-term vision is to return to Joplin.
“I want to make a difference in the community I call home. I also hope to inspire my children—Carmen, Saylor, and Pup—to attend MSSU when their time comes. My ultimate goal is to lay a path for them to become independent thinkers, compassionate individuals, and positive changemakers in the world.
The aspiring lawyer hopes to motivate other students with his story.
"I hope my story shows others that it’s possible to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. The faculty and staff here didn’t just educate me—they transformed me into someone I never thought I could be. I look forward to using what I’ve learned to make an impact on my community and to build a foundation for my children’s future.”
