Ashley McCowan
Born and raised in Georgia, Ashley is joining us from the College of Veterinary Medicine on campus where she worked as an Event Coordinator for the last 5 years, helping to plan the college’s events, conferences and managing alumni affairs. Prior to Vet Med, she worked with a sports management and entertainment company, The Colonnade Group, as an Assistant Director of Crimson Tide Hospitality and Director of Ahearn Fund Athletic Hospitality, working in the premium seating and club areas within the athletic departments. Ashley is a graduate of the Restaurant and Hospitality Management program from the University of Alabama and has her master’s degree in Sport Management and Administration from there as well. She was a competitive gymnast all the way through college and still enjoys all aspects of the sport. Ashley’s husband, Josh, works in the Athletic Department with the Ahearn Fund. They are expecting their first child in December.
Ericka Bauer
Ericka started at K-State in September of 2019 moving from Orlando, FL after earning her master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and two graduate certificates from the University of Central Florida.
She has worked in alternating food service operations for 20 years and has transitioned over to the academic side of the hospitality industry, educating the next generation of hospitality students to become successful leaders in the industry. She has worked for several notable companies including Club Med, The Walt Disney Company, Aramark, and Southern Foodservice Management; as well as many independent restaurants including one of the top ranked restaurants in Philadelphia.
Ericka cooked 2 years for the University of Central Florida athletics and is enjoying Wildcat football along with basketball, and is transitioning from Penn State University ice cream to KSU Call Hall ice cream. She was surprised about the local delicacy of cinnamon rolls pairing with chili. She also enjoys hiking the Appalachian Trail and can’t wait to hike the Konza.