May Louise Cowles, rural sociologist (1892-1978)

May Louise Cowles' compassion for her fellow citizens and her desire to understand them as consumers, family members, and individuals led her to study subjects she felt were central to home management, including family and consumer economics, rural sociology, consumerism, and architecture. While a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Home Economics Department from 1915-1958, Cowles epitomized the discipline of home management. Instead of seeing the home and family life as simplistic, Cowles viewed them as involving many different, yet interrelated areas. Her work at UW demonstrated this belief. Much of her research focused on families living in rural areas and the financial and social issues that were important for them. At UW, her emphasis on family economics and rural sociology shed light on issues that were central to improving people's lives and financial situations. Her contributions to UW Home Economics broadened its program, communicating her knowledge to others. As a teacher, advisor, and friend, Cowles improved the quality of life of those around her in many ways. Throughout her life--in her academic research, her Extension work, her student interactions, and her personal life--Cowles strove to assist people in bettering their lives.