Background
Cowlishaw, Mary Lou was born on February 20, 1932 in Rockford, Illinois, United States. Daughter of Donald George and Mildred Corinne (Hayes) Miller.
Cowlishaw, Mary Lou was born on February 20, 1932 in Rockford, Illinois, United States. Daughter of Donald George and Mildred Corinne (Hayes) Miller.
Bachelor of Science in Journalism, University Illinois, 1954. Doctor of Humane Letters, North Central College, 1999. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Benedictine University, 2000.
Member editorial staff Naperville (Illinois) Sun newspaper, 1977-1983. Member Illinois House of Representatives, Springfield, 1983—2003, chairman elementary and secondary education committee, 1995—1997, vice-chairman public utilities committee, 1995—2003, member joint House-Senate education reform oversight committee, 1985—1997. Associate Center for Governmental Studies Northern Illinois University, 2003—2010.
Adjunct professor North Central College, Naperville, Illinois, 2003—2010. Member Illinois Task Force on School Finance, 1990-1996. Vice chairman House Republican Campaign Committee, 1990-2010.
Co-chair House Republican Policy Committee, 1991-2003. Chairman education committee National Conference State Legislatures, 1993-1997. Member Joint Committee Administrative Rules, 1992-2003.
Commissioner Education Commission of the States, 1995-2002. Chair, Illinois Women's Agenda Task Force, 1994-2010. Member National Education Goals Panel, 1996-2010, board governors Lincoln Series for Excellence in Public Service, 1996-2010.
Member Naperville District 203 Board Education, 1972-1983. Co-chairman Illinois Citizens Council on School Problems, Springfield, since 1985. Member American Legislation Exch.
Council, Conference Women Legislators, National Federation Rep.Women, Daughters of the American Revolution, Naperville Republican Women's Club (president since 1994), Junior League of Greater DuKane (community advisory board since 1997).
Married Wayne Arnold Cowlishaw, July 24, 1954. Children: Beth Cowlishaw McDaniel, John, Paula Cowlishaw Rader.