Cheryl Lynn Stevens

Cheryl Lynn Stevens (67) of Alvaton, Kentucky passed away September 14th, 2023, with family by her side after a long battle with cancer.
She is survived by her children Geoffrey Stevens (Katrina), Michael Stevens (Nicole), and Richard Stevens (Shelby); stepchildren Heather Chumbley (Tim) and Scott Stevens (Shasta); grandchildren Sonny Stevens and Bowie Stevens; partner Michael Cowles and children Marybeth Rhoden (Tyler), Ryan Cowles, and Melissa Cowles, and grandchild Ada Statum; siblings Stacy Sirull, Jerry Falk, and Louis Falk; parents Eva Falk and Melvin Falk; pets Ruthie and Eddie. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Edwin Stevens.
Cheryl was exceptionally accomplished both academically and professionally. She held a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of New Orleans (1982) and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Tampa (1978). Her professional career began in 1982 as a Professor of Chemistry at Xavier University of Louisiana, where she later rose to the positions of Chemistry Department Chair and Associate Dean for Research. In 2012, she moved to Bowling Green to become Dean and Professor of Ogden College of Science and Engineering at Western Kentucky University (WKU), where she spent the rest of her career. She retired from WKU in 2021 as acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs after a 40-year career in academia. She also served in multiple professional organizations throughout her career, most notably as President of the American Crystallographic Association, a member of the U.S. National Committee on Crystallography, and on the board of directors for the American Institute of Physics. Throughout her career, she secured grant funding of more than $20 million in various research projects.
Cheryl led an active lifestyle and loved her pets. She started every morning with a long walk accompanied by her dogs and often her friends. She was an avid gardener, spending much of her spare time either in the garden or enjoying it from the porch with family and friends. Her gardens adapted to the changing climates of her homes, always including a variety of vegetables and flowers to satisfy the local pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies. She loved travelling both locally and abroad, but some of her fondest memories were made at Pensacola Beach with family. She enjoyed reading all types of literature, but especially historical fiction.
Throughout her life, Cheryl built a legacy through her children, lasting friendships, and professional career. Her greatest pride was her children's accomplishments, both academically and professionally. Cheryl built and enjoyed a vibrant sense of community in Bowling Green, making many close friends and impacting countless others. She also maintained many long-lasting friendships from her time in New Orleans. In her work, she held a 'Student Success' mantra. As Dean of Ogden College, she oversaw the design and construction of the new Ogden College Hall science building. Prioritizing human health and well-being in the design, it became the first laboratory building to receive WELL certification. She was an active member of and grew the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) group at WKU. She was also passionate about mentorship of early and mid-career professionals, often hosting them at her home.
Cheryl lived her life by the following principles:
• Be kind to other people and animals. Help where you can.
• Live a healthy life – eat well, keep moving, sleep well.
• Enjoy the outdoors and nature.
• Love deeply.
• Have friends, be a friend, be social.
• Keep in touch with the family.
• Develop enjoyable hobbies.
• #DrinkTheWine, a metaphor for don't wait to live life to the fullest.
Cheryl has always given back to the community throughout her career, donating her time and money to various charity organizations and community events. Her final gifts of charity go to The Unitarian Universalist Church of Bowling Green, Med Center Health Hematology and Oncology Department, and the Gynecology Oncology Division of the University of Louisville James Graham Brown Cancer Center. In Cheryl's honor and expressions of sympathy, please consider donations to the above organizations in lieu of flowers to the family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel.