NEW ALBANY, IN, (April 16, 2012) – Longtime Southern Indiana state legislator William C. “Bill” Cochran will receive an honorary doctorate from Indiana University Southeast at the 2012 Commencement ceremony.
Cochran was a tireless champion for higher education and IU Southeast during his 34 years in the state legislature. He also served as a Special Assistant to the Chancellor at IU Southeast for nearly 10 years.
Cochran represented the 72nd District in the Indiana House of Representative from 1974 to 2008. He served on several standing committees including the Ways & Means, Judiciary, and Public Policy committees.
In 2000, Cochran received the Welsh-Bowen Distinguished Public Official Award from Hoosiers for Higher Education. HHE awards the Welsh-Bowen Distinguished Public Official Award to an elected official at any level of government who has made significant contributions to higher education and Indiana University. In 2009, he was honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash award, an award given by the governor of Indiana to outstanding citizens.
He retired from IU Southeast in December 2011 after receiving the Distinguished Service Medal. As part of the Alumni and Community Relations staff since 2002, he was instrumental in helping to further the mission of the University. He championed multiple causes and secured financial support for several IU Southeast projects over the years, including the IU Southeast Library, Knobview Hall, and the IU Southeast Lodges.
“As a lifelong Hoosier born in New Albany, Bill Cochran exemplifies the hard work, devotion, and honest values that have built Indiana,” said IU Southeast Chancellor Sandra R. Patterson-Randles. “In particular, he has been and still is a strong advocate for quality education and, as such, has benefited Indiana’s schools and universities in a myriad of ways. An IU honorary degree is the most appropriate and well-deserved recognition of Bill Cochran’s personal and professional service to his fellow citizens, community, and state.”
Cochran will be honored at IU Southeast’s 44th Commencement on Monday, May 7, at 4:30 p.m. at the IU Southeast Amphitheater. More than 1,000 graduates are part of the IU Southeast Class of 2012.