About Dr. Edwin Cottrell

The Dr. Edwin Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center is named in honor of Dr. Edwin Cottrell, West Chester University Professor Emeritus of Health and Physical Education. The naming of the center was through the generosity of a gift by Claire and Gary Daniels in honor of Dr. Cottrell, Mr. Daniel's golf coach.

Dr. Edwin Cottrell served as associate dean of the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and as professor in the undergraduate and graduate programs. He also served as the head coach of golf at West Chester University for 20 years. A graduate of Slippery Rock State College (class of 1943). While at Slippery Rock he lettered in football, basketball, and tennis, and he captained the tennis team. Dr. Cottrell earned a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his doctorate in Health and Physical Education from Penn State University. He joined the West Chester University faculty in 1955. Dr. Cottrell was very active in many professional and academic organizations. He was named 'Outstanding Physical Educator' in Pennsylvania by PSAHPER, was a member of the National Golf Coaches' Associate, and an educational consultant for the National Golf Foundation. He was also on the staff of the Duke University Junior Golf Camp and served as chair of the Concord Country Club golf committee where he was the club champion. Dr. Cottrell was a fighter pilot during World War II with the 48th Fighter Group ETO and flew 65 combat missions in the European Theater of Operations. He received the air medal with eight clusters plus unit and battle citations. After 28 years in the Air Force Reserves he retired as a Lt. Colonel having served as a Liaison officer to the Air Force Academy. Dr. Cottrell is currently an instructor at Duke University Golf School and Pine Needles Country Club Golfari. Dr. Cottrell is married to Mildred (Millie), and has two daughters: Carol Fisher and Susan Nation.

Gary E. Daniels, CLU, ChFC is the Managing Partner and a founding partner of The Creative Financial Group. Mr. Daniels has forged one of the Nation's most innovative and successful financial services organizations. Mr. Daniels' primary area of expertise is developing financial and business succession strategies for entrepreneurs. Recognized as an authority on business succession planning, he frequently addresses professional organizations such as the National Association of Manufacturers and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal and Fortune magazine. He is a member of the Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia Estate Planning Councils; a ten-year qualifier of the Top of the Table; a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table; and a former instructor of the Life Underwriter's Training Council. Mr. Daniels is a member of the Board of Directors of the Variety Club. In 1992, Mr. Daniels, and partner, Mr. Joseph Naselli, established The Creative Financial Charitable Foundation, which contributes to organizations throughout the Delaware Valley. He is a member of the West Chester University UnderGraduate Center Campaign Leadership Committee. Mr. Daniels attended West Chester University from 1972 - 1975. After college he was a professional golfer prior to becoming a financial representative. Early in his career, Mr. Daniels distinguished himself by becoming the youngest number one agent in the 120-year history of Travelers, an achievement he attained from 1985 to 1989. Mr. Daniels served as the WCU Cottrell Center 2011 Entrepreneur in Residence.