Our Team

The Cowen Institute was originally formed in 2007 to monitor, chronicle, and analyze the dramatic changes occurring in New Orleans’ public education system after Hurricane Katrina. The institute is named after Scott Cowen, President Emeritus of Tulane University, who served as a leader in New Orleans’ recovery and in transforming its education system. Since then, our work has expanded beyond research and policy. Today, the Cowen Institute fulfills its mission through two strategic pillars: contextualizing data and providing thought leadership, and building practitioners’ capacity.

Board of Advisors

Our board is a diverse group of local and national thought partners. Its purpose is to review long-range plans, assist with specific requests for support as it relates to advancing policy and legislation, and serve as an advocate in the institute’s fundraising efforts.

  • Scott Cowen

    Chair

    President Emeritus, Distinguished University Chair, and Cowen Institute Campaign Chair, Tulane University

  • Stephanie Barksdale

    Lecturer, Executive Coach, Tulane Lecturer, Social Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist

  • Elaine Cunningham Baylor

    Civic Leader

  • Shaunda Clark

    Chief Financial Officer, Liberty Bank and Trust

  • Norman Francis

    President Emeritus, Xavier University

  • Jill Glazer

    Civic Leader, Tulane University Trustee

  • JP Hymel

    President and CEO, Gallo Mechanical

  • Patty Riddlebarger

    Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Entergy Corporation

  • Andrew Suzman

    Partner, Capital World Investors

  • Ana Gershanik

    Civic Leader, Journalist

  • Monica L’Esperance

    Adjunct Faculty, Tulane University, Leadership Coach, Team Communication Expert