HRD PhD Ambassador: Terasita Cowan

Terasita Cowan
PhD Candidate
Tulsa, OK
Email: tcowan5@patriots.uttyler.edu
LinkedIn

Profile

Terasita Cowan is a benefits leader and HRD scholar focused on building healthy, high performing workplaces. She serves as Benefits Manager for Muscogee (Creek) Nation Gaming Enterprises, supporting ~1,900 employees across nine casinos, and holds SHRM-CP/PHR credentials. As Vice President of DEI for the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association, she advances inclusive talent practices and community partnerships. Terasita is pursuing the PhD in Human Resource Development at UT Tyler, where the cohort-based, hybrid format complements her leadership role. Her research examines organizational health, job stress, and work intentions—especially in high-pressure service environments—using rigorous quantitative methods (SEM). She is passionate about translating evidence into practical solutions that strengthen well-being, retention, and performance.

Education

• Oklahoma City University - BS in Business
• Northeastern State University - MBA
• Southeastern Oklahoma State University -M.ed

Current Position

Benefit Manager- MNGE, TAHRA-VP/DEI, OKNAHRA-Cofounder and board Treasurer.

Why I chose UT Tyler?

I chose UT Tyler’s PhD in HRD because its advanced-research focus, OD/change lens, and strategic management perspective directly align with my goal to produce rigorous, applied scholarship on organizational health, job stress, and work intentions. The executive, cohort based model and hybrid schedule—intensive on-campus sessions paired with online, project driven work—fit my leadership role while providing the mentorship, methods depth, and peer community I need to contribute meaningfully to HRD.

Fun Fact

I married my high school crush!