Leaders Learn Here: Steve Cohen, U.S. Representative, Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District

There was never a doubt in Steve Cohen’s mind that he wanted to serve as an elected official — he first ran for the Tennessee State Legislature as a junior at Vanderbilt University in 1970.

Coming back to Memphis to go to law school seemed obvious.

“I thought it would be a good way for me to get into politics,” he said.

He was correct. Cohen served as a Shelby County Commissioner, in the Tennessee State Senate for 24 years and was elected U.S. Congress to represent Tennessee’s 9th District in 2006, where he has served ever since.

“I made a lot of good friends and had a lot of good professors at law school,” he said. “It was a large class, and I still have a set of friends who communicate regularly. We have our big 50th reunion this year.”

He was recognized as a Pillar of Excellence by the UofM Law School last summer, and calls it “one of the best honors I’ve ever had.”

Beyond his own experience, though, Cohen is clear about the enormous value of the University to the city.

“It’s important to educate the students who become the workforce that keeps the city moving,” he said.

He has closely watched as the University has reached significant milestones and said it’s important to keep it going in the right direction.

“When I was a kid, it became Memphis State and then the University of Memphis during the 90s, which I think gave the school a higher patina,” he said. “Separating from the Board of Regents and having their own board kept the name appreciating over the years. Now, the R1 research designation is significant; that’s the way universities stay alive. I’m a huge sports fan, but research and academics are where the University needs to stand.”