Dragons Who Serve: Lieutenant Maiah McCowan

Mandan, N.D., native Lieutenant Maiah McCowan is an active-duty Air Force service member working on a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at MSU Moorhead. Lt. McCowan is stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah. She is a 63 Alpha, 63A, acquisitions, serving as a program manager in the 416th supply chain management squadron.

Growing up in a military family, service is in Lt. McCowan's DNA. The Air Force wasn't her first branch of choice; she initially chose the Naval Academy, but a family illness prompted her to stay closer to home and to Concordia College, where she discovered the Air Force and Army ROTC on a walk to the dining hall. She chose Air Force ROTC because it fit her school and hockey schedule the best. While at Concordia, Lt. McCowan received a bachelor's degree in business with a concentration in management, a healthcare leadership certificate, and minors in coaching, aerospace, and math. She was also an NCAA athlete who played hockey.

Lt. McCowan has balanced being on active duty and getting two master's degrees with the support of her commanders since they emphasize the importance of education. If there is downtime at work, she is studying, and once she is home, she spends several hours getting her schoolwork done for the following weeks. Lt. McCowan says, "All my professors have been great working with me on active duty. They allow me to cater my assignments to fit my schedule."

Professor and MHA Program Coordinator Brandi Sillerud says, "I admire and value Maiah's dedication to her country and educational goals. Maiah is a role model to any active-duty service member. She demonstrates that you can be enrolled in graduate degree programs while actively serving. She set a clear goal she wanted to achieve, and she is continuing toward that goal. She manages multiple priorities, serves her country, and continues on her academic journey. We are here to support her goals as she finishes her graduate degrees."

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

The MHA program is CAHME-accredited and has flexible, online course delivery, making it an attractive degree for military-connected students because they can continue their education from anywhere. Healthcare is also appealing to students, as there are numerous professional opportunities. The professors in the MHA program have a history of working with military students and realize the need to be flexible in the delivery of courses and due dates/expectations. For example, faculty have tailored capstone presentation times to align with individuals deployed overseas, such as listening to a capstone presentation at 4 a.m. to align with the deployed individual's schedule. "We are student-centered, which aligns with a supportive program aimed at helping develop each student on their educational journey," Sillerud says.

Dean of the College of Business, Analytics and Communication Peter Sherman says the MBA program is curated to help active-duty service members navigate demanding schedules while staying dedicated to their education. The MBA program for active-duty military offers flexibility to accommodate the unique needs of service members. A key advantage is that all courses are available asynchronously, allowing students to complete their studies on their schedule. Beginning Fall 2024, students can attend in-person classes if they prefer a more traditional learning environment. This option is especially beneficial for active-duty students who may be required to take extended work-related leave. The faculty are highly student-centered, providing understanding and support when students face challenges related to their military commitments. Lastly, MSUM's MBA program is AACSB-accredited, a distinction that employers, including the military, highly value.

Master in Business Administration (MBA)

Lt. McCowan's drive and passion for learning, combined with the knowledge gained from the MBA and MHA programs, will propel her to impact change both in and out of the military. Her goal is to work at a VA Hospital. McCowan says, "The VA has an incredibly special place in my heart and it has been lacking for many years. There is a positive movement in the VA, but a lot of changes need to happen to better serve the veterans in need."

Lt. McCowan says, "I'm having a very positive experience at MSUM. I love my professors and love how my courses are set up. There is room for growth and change to become more military-friendly. I hope I can help and be a part of moving forward."

A determination to create change for herself and others in similar situations has pushed her to lend a guiding hand to MSUM. She will be serving as a volunteer member on the Veterans Service Committee. By making MSUM more accessible to active-duty personnel, they can feel empowered to pursue advanced degrees while balancing their military commitments.

For more information about resources for Veterans, active military, and their families, visit Larry Shellito Veterans Resource Center.