Dan Cowell came to Culver Academy in 1986 after completion of a master of arts degree from Miami University of Ohio. Dan concentrated in Exercise Science and Health Education while at Miami of Ohio. He was accepted into the program as a graduate assistant after completion of a bachelor of arts degree from John Carroll University in Cleveland Ohio. He completed his masters of science degree in Athletic Training from California University of Pennsylvania in December of 2005. 

Dan was initially hired as an Athletic Trainer and Wellness instructor. He won the Dean Mars award in 1989 and the Greg Crossfield award in 2008. Dan proposed and developed Anatomy & Physiology as a course in 1991, and was inducted as a honorary member of Sigma Cum Laude in 2000.

During his tenure at Culver Academy, he has served many roles. He brought the American Red Cross Bloodmobile to Culver in 1988 and continues to serve as co-chairman. He served as department chairman for the Wellness Education department form 1997-1999. Dan was the first director of the Outdoors Challenge Course. He served in that capacity from 1995 to 1998. In 2000, he became the director of the Siegfried Fitness Center. This is a position he held until 2005 when he returned to teaching and athletic training.