Dr. Craig T. Cobane, following a long battle with cancer, died on Friday, May 24, 2024. He was 57 years old. He is survived by his wife Lili, his mother Margaret and his sister, Christina. He was born in Newfoundland, Canada and grew up in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. Dr. Cobane received his B.S degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin—Green Bay, where he was awarded the Chancellor’s Leadership Medallion. His M.A. and Ph.D. degrees are from the University of Cincinnati, both in Political Science. His areas of research expertise included international relations theory, terrorism/counter terrorism, and international security policy. Following a distinguished career in international security policy in Washington and in private higher education, Dr. Cobane was hired at Western Kentucky University in 2005 as the first Executive Director of the Mahurin Honors College, a position in which he served with distinction until his death. He also held the academic title of the John and Jacque Jarve Professor in Honors.
Among Dr. Cobane’s milestone achievements at WKU was the creation of Kentucky’s first Honors College and the proliferation of the Honors Capstone and thesis programs, the establishment of the Office of Scholar Development which has produced numerous student recipients of national and international prestigious scholarships including Fullbrights, Gilmans, Goldwaters among others. He directed significant growth in WKU’s study abroad opportunities, and established the Chinese Flagship program through the U.S. Department of Defense.
Dr. Cobane was a prolific recruiter of high academic achievers for the Mahurin Honors College, and served as a mentor to thousands of students as they pursued their academic and professional dreams. He was instrumental in establishing a strong Mahurin Honors College alumni network and charted the College’s course in philanthropy. His leadership, passion for learning and commitment to his students will forever be cherished in the WKU community.
Services will be conducted on Wednesday, May 29 at the J.C. Kirby & Son Funeral Chapel on Lovers Lane in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service at 12:00 noon. The Reverend Thomas Weakly will preside.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the WKU Honors College in Dr. Craig Cobane’s name via the College Heights Foundation at 1703 Chestnut St., Bowling Green, Kentucky. 42101
