In recognition of business and community achievement, Erin Cowser was recognized as an honoree of the New Orleans City Business Women of the Year for 2012. Fifty women were recognized in the 14th annual award distribution.
Cowser serves as the executive director of public and governmental affairs for the university, in addition to her roles as a graduate student and mother.
“I am proud that I get to represent Southeastern in this capacity. I’ll be honest in saying that there is no such thing as perfect balance, and I would be lying if I told you I had found the perfect equation,” said Cowser. “I think you just do the best that you can in the manner that you think you can contribute to the community and make sure that your family is happy and you’re personally fulfilled as well.”
Cowser has received several community awards including the Hammond Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Chairmen’s Award and the 2009 Community Service Award. Her other roles include serving as the Hammond Chamber Board of Directors and United Way of Southeast Louisiana and university liaison to the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center Board of Directors.
Cowser has one two-year-old daughter, Eliza Kate, and one eight-year-old stepdaughter, Kira.
“You have to prioritize, even when you have all these different things going on,” said Cowser. “I have days set aside for family time. Family time is the paramount privilege, responsibility and challenge that I face on a daily basis. You have to decide what is important, and you can’t be everything to everybody. Sometimes you have to say no.”
After having completed a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University, Cowser is now pursuing a master’s degree in organizational communication at Southeastern.
“Every day is different,” said Cowser. “I do intentionally set aside fun days with my daughter. I do a lot of studying when my daughter goes to bed at night, when I’d rather be in bed myself.”
Cowser plans to graduate with her master’s degree in December 2013. Moderation is what helps her succeed in her various roles and positions.
“As a mom and a full time employee, I can only take one class per semester,” said Cowser. “I took two classes one semester, and I wasn’t happy and neither was anyone else around me. I decided to keep it to one so that I would have time for the other important things in my life.”
One of the biggest challenges facing Cowser in her position at the university is the budget cuts.
“The budget cuts have been very disheartening and difficult,” said Cowser. “Southeastern has such tremendous positional and forward momentum. It’s very frustrating when the resources aren’t there to expand upon the great ideas, enhance the initiatives and take it to the next level because our hands are tied due to the budget cuts.”
When advising current and future graduate students, Cowser advocates a proactive mind set.
“In this environment I wanted to take advantage of going back to school and learning new things. It’s a good check and balance to make sure I’m doing the things that I’m doing right,” said Cowser. “I’m a firm believer that if you’re going to do it, do it right. Continue to expand your own horizons. Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you.”