Erin Cozzens, 21

Elementary Education
Fairview, Montana

January 20, 2017

By Blair Koch, University Communications and Marketing, 657-2269

Joining Student United Way was her roommate’s idea, but today Erin Cozzens loves being involved.

The Montana State University Billings elementary education major said as a freshman her friend, “drug me to my first meeting.”

“It was fun and soon I wanted to be more involved and take on leadership positions,” said Cozzens, 21.

The next year she was elected secretary/treasurer of the student group and this year Cozzens serves as public relations liaison.

During this first week of the Spring semester, Cozzens was excited the SUW was once again participating in Power of One Week.

On Wednesday evening over a dozen members gathered in the Student Union Building’s atrium and put together care packages for community members experiencing homelessness.

“My drive is to be a bright light during a dark time, to make someone’s day better,” she said.

Additionally, the Fairview, Montana native works as a resident assistant for MSUB’s Housing and Residence Life.

She is often found manning the front desk for both Petro and Rimrock halls.

“I enjoy being a resident assistant and being able to talk with the other students on campus,” Cozzens said.

Cozzens was drawn to MSUB on the strength of the school’s business programs.

Originally, she studied accounting but soon found the field personally lacking. After working with a group of 11-12 year-old girls for a summer at a Pennsylvania youth camp, Cozzens knew what her future path would be.

“I loved working with those girls and when I came back to MSUB I changed my major to elementary education,” she said. “I love learning about how to teach and work with children and I’m excited.”

She’s also proud of her volunteer work and says being involved helped her evolve into a better person.

“I would tell any student to participate with at least one thing, get out of your comfort zone. It will be worth it,” Cozzens said.