Katherine Cota-Uyar
Associate Director, John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

Education

Currently pursuing an M.A. in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Organizational Communication from the University of Northern Iowa. In 2004, certified as both a Kauffman Foundation FastTrac facilitator and administrator; B.A. (1995) and Certificate in Business and Management Essentials (graduate-level) in 2003, University of Northern Iowa.

Teaching Interests
Planning and Growing a Business Venture; Studies in Entrepreneurial Ventures -- CIPCO Business Enhancement Internship; Studies in Entrepreneurial Ventures -- Okoboji Summer Institute

Research Interests
Entreprenuership, small business

Responsibilities
Program Manager for the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Northern Iowa. She designs, develops, and manages the programs of the JPEC including: venture capital programs, entrepreneurial education programs, and various conferences and competitions.

Professional Accomplishments
Katherine has served in executive and managing editor positions for both general and academic publications including The Northern Iowan and The Business Case Journal. She has also published in literary publications and academic journals. She has been an officer in several community and college organizations and formerly served as the advisor for the UNI Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Club. She previously hosted a radio show on small business on KBBG-FM and was presented in 2003 with a Special Recognition Award for Facilitating Entrepreneurship in the African American Community by Afro American Community Broadcasting, Inc. She was selected by In Business magazine as one of its "20 Under 40" leaders in the Cedar Valley for 2004. She has assisted with the start-up of more than 2,000 businesses since 1996. She currently sits on the Entrepreneurship Task Force of the Iowa Department of Economic Development and the Iowa Department of Education. Her philanthropic activities have included assisting the Cedar Falls Public Library, the African American Historical and Cultural Museum, and the International Wrestling Institute and Museum with their business planning; and serving on the board of Community Animal Rescue and Education Services (CARES).