Katherine Cota

Professor Katherine Cota is a Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Buena Vista University's Harold Walter Siebens School of Business and serves as the Director of the Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship. With 28 years of experience in entrepreneurial education, she has held leadership roles at multiple university-based entrepreneurial centers across the United States, significantly contributing to startup ecosystems and rural economic development.

Her educational background includes:

• B.A. in Anthropology (Physical and Cultural) from the University of Northern Iowa
• M.A. in Communication Studies (Corporate and Non-verbal) from the University of Northern Iowa
• M.B.A. from St. Ambrose University

Katherine Cota's research and professional interests center on entrepreneurship, particularly in rural contexts. Her expertise spans entrepreneurial education, startup coaching, incubator management, and technology commercialization. She has deep experience in developing programs that support small business creation, innovation diffusion, and regional economic growth. Her interdisciplinary background in anthropology and communication enriches her holistic approach to understanding entrepreneurial behavior and organizational dynamics.

While no recent publications are listed, her career reflects a strong applied and translational focus on entrepreneurship, bridging academic theory with real-world business creation and support systems.

She has received no listed scientific awards in the provided text.

Katherine Cota has extensive experience in academic and non-academic mentoring, having coached numerous startups and entrepreneurs throughout her career. She has secured private and grant funding for entrepreneurial programs and managed an equity fund for regional investors. Her leadership roles include directing the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, the Carlson Center, and the Paulson Center, where she oversaw incubators, coworking programs, and intellectual property operations.

She leads the Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, a key hub for promoting entrepreneurial activity in rural communities, offering educational programs, mentorship, and resource networks to aspiring business owners.