Erika Cowan Email and Phone Number

- Directly oversee all planning elements of virtual and in-person Commencement and Honors Convocation ceremonial events.o Develop and manage strategic direction for related programs and events with affiliated campus partners.o Develop and direct operational items, including event plans, scripts, run of shows, and venue diagrams.o Problem solve and make decisions in advance and on- site for related events.o Lead teams comprised of staff and faculty from across campus to collectively plan related events.o Collaborate with Strategic Communications team to produce content for related events.o Monitor commencement website to assure accuracy and updated information.o Schedule distribution of all informational emails; direct all campus partners on the dissemination of allCommencement-related information to students, parents, families, and the University community.o Collaborate with all colleges to support them in managing their individual celebration events.o Act as the office liaison in working with various University departments in the scheduling of Convocations.- Manage and staff events as assigned by the Director and/or AVP.o Create and maintain RSVP database templates (and associated reports) for use by events staff, and others.o Manage relationships with internal and external event vendors. This includes researching new vendors andvenues for university events and programs, as well as building a reference file for use by other offices.- Manage budgets of all assigned events.o Solicit, propose, implement and manage budgets for all assigned events and programs.o Review related contracts to ensure University protocols and guidelines are in place before securing services.o Secure accurate quotes and estimates from vendors, and confirm compliance with University requirements.- Manage and assist the Director in the daily functions of the Special Events office

1. Conceptualizes and directs high quality Commencement ceremony aligned with strategic vision and principles established by University leadership, and incorporating best practices.2. Designs and implements effective procedures for collaborative Commencement planning with all relevant university units. Partners with internal departments and external vendors.3. Works with Development division to plan and implement high-level events such as campaign events in various cities. Partners with Alumni Relations in Homecoming planning.4. Oversees Commencement budget, ensuring high quality at appropriate cost level. Crafts and keeps track of individual event budgets. Notes, tracks and evaluates expenditures to ensure appropriate management of budgeted funds. Negotiates and approves vendor contracts.5. In partnership with university partners, ensures that internal and external stakeholders receivetimely and accurate communications regarding events.6. Works with the Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications and the Chief of Staff to create Commencement script and implement appropriate staging.7. Coordinates team to ensure high quality ceremonies that utilize resources efficiently.8. Implements event assessment to enhance event success.9. Assists with the planning and implementation of other University events as time allows.10. Provides backup support to University Events Manager and Manager of Presidential Events and Protocol if necessary.

1. Responsible for the planning, execution, budget tracking and adherence of all Provost Office events and meetings. Including informal and formal annual events.2. Faculty position administrator through the PeopleAdmin employment program. Duties include Hiring Manager training, posting review and management, and outside advertisement management.3. Responsible for all Faculty EPAF processing.4. Support for faculty appointment letter processing.5. Support for processing Provost Office reimbursements.6. Support for creation and management of Provost Office SharePoint sub-sites.7. Responsible for supporting the Provost Office Emergency Tree Maintenance.8. Reconcile ProCard statements for Provost Office staff.9. Responsible for Provost Office Commencement duties. Involved heavily in the planning, day-off coordination and execution of all Provost Office related duties.10. Serve as support of the Provost Office in the daily operations, including covering phone calls, handling walk-in needs, lunch coverage, etc.

1. Assist the Chief Development Officer and five Senior Development Directors with all general and special administrative tasks.2. Responsible for managing the Development Department general calendar.3. Work with confidential and/or sensitive donor information while maintaining professionalism and privacy.4. Maintain vendor relationships and research alternative supplier options to ensure cost savings.5. Responsible for maintaining the department budget, including processing and coding all purchases.6. Assist the department in planning, coordinating and executing donor events.7. Responsible for accurately completing the department monthly credit card statement reconciliations.8. Special projects as needed.

Assisted four C-level Partners and 20 Senior Associates in four different offices, managing all general and special Administrative tasks for each office. Helped plan company events, handle the daily office Administrative tasks and take on any additional responsibilities as needed.

1. Maintained customer database for future marketing opportunities, answered phone calls/emails and sold new or recurring account packages.2. Responsible for complete Client Account Management.3. Implemented programs to automate office procedures.4. Managed studio inventory and placed orders on a weekly basis.- Given a company credit card.5. Prepared bank deposits and reconciled register at start and end of shift.6. Maintained a clean and functioning studio environment.7. Made recommendations and was highly involved in the design and vendor selection process for all company merchandise and projects.