Dr. Berdie Cowser, Ph.D. – School of Continuing Education

Berdie Cowser has been with the Center for Veterans Issues, Ltd. since May 2001, where she is currently the Vice President of Housing and Development.  The programs she oversees provide permanent supportive and transitional housing to veterans who are motivated to change their homeless condition through honest self-examination and commitment to learning new behaviors.  She began her military career in high school, joining the Army in 1993. After earning her undergraduate degree from the Alabama State University, Berdie was commissioned as an officer in the Quartermaster Corps. She then earned her MBA and Ph.D. from Cardinal Stritch University.  Among her accomplishments and awards, she serves as Board Member, Milwaukee County War Memorial; National Coalition Homeless Veterans, Cardinal Stritch University Board of Trustees; Chapter Commander, National Association for Black Veterans, Inc.; 40 Under 40 Award Winner, Milwaukee Business Journal; and Milwaukee Times Newspaper 2015 Black Excellence Award Special Honoree – African American Women in the Military.  Berdie is a proud member of the Cream City (WI) of the Links, Incorporated and Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.  Berdie is the 2022-2023 Milwaukee Veteran of the year.