“The more knowledge they have, the better informed they are and the better decisions they can make,” said Cowell, the school’s new college adviser through the Advise TN program.
CCCHS was one of 30 schools in Tennessee to be selected for the new program, which is coordinated by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
The three-year pilot program is an extension of Gov. Bill Haslam’s Drive to 55 campaign to boost the number of Tennesseans with higher education credentials.
Cowell recently started at CCCHS after completing rigorous training on best practices in financial aid, college and career advising and mentoring.
She will work hand in hand with guidance counselors Beth Campbell and Brandi Lunsford to provide services to students and build upon the work already being done at the school.
Cowell, who lives in Cheatham County, has worked in the education field in Middle Tennessee for more than 20 years.
She was selected to work at CCCHS because of her expertise with College Access programming as well as her familiarity with the needs of high school students.
Cowell plans to meet one-on-one with all juniors and seniors to primarily increase their knowledge and familiarity of post-secondary options.
She is available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
As part of the program, she will work year-round, meaning she will be available to help students during the summer months. Parents are also welcome to meet with Cowell.
“I am here to help students with the college and career process, whether it is providing assistance with applying for scholarships, understanding the Tennessee Promise and HOPE scholarship programs and writing essays and resumes,” Cowell said.
She added: “It’s also important for students to understand how college admission offices work and the information they are looking for.”
Cowell said she is looking forward to making a difference at CCCHS.
“I get my enjoyment from seeing the students feeling successful. When they are succeeding, it makes everything worthwhile,” she said.