Erika Cottingham
Board Member

 Erika Cottingham is a seasoned leader with over twenty-four years of experience in program development and grants administration, currently serving as Director of Research Program Development, Grant & Contracts Administration at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a Certified Research Administrator (2007) and has held key roles at respected institutions such as United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley (CFOO), Columbus State University, Emory University, UNC Charlotte, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and University of Cincinnati, as well as provided consulting services for Morehouse School of Medicine. Erika’s dedication to service is evident through her two decades of involvement with the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), where she currently serves as sponsorship coordinator for Region 3 and soon to be Region 3 Chair Elect (May 2026). Her leadership style centers on inspiring collaboration, building sustainable partnerships, and empowering teams to achieve shared goals. As founder and principal of Cottingham Consulting Group, LLC, Erika offers strategic planning and grants management services to government, non-profit, and industry clients. She is recognized for her creative problem-solving skills, policy development expertise, and commitment to advancing organizational missions through professional development initiatives. Erika holds a Master of Education from Liberty University, bachelor’s degrees from Temple Baptist College and College of Mt. St. Joseph and has completed doctoral coursework in Higher Education Administration at Columbus State University. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Rho Rho Omega chapter.