[1] A native of New Jersey, Cowen graduated from Drake University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

[2] Cowen attended Columbia Law School before leaving to join the Army, where he earned the G.I.

Cowen left the District of New Jersey on November 16, 1987, due to his elevation to the court of appeals.

[2] Less than two years later, Cowen was nominated by President Reagan on August 7, 1987, to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit vacated by Judge James Hunter III who assumed senior status.

[4] He resumed active status briefly in July 2022 for the purpose of resolving J. M. v. Summit City Board of Education.