When Gail Cotton learned about a CBU student planning to take round-trip ride-shares five days a week from campus to an internship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Cotton said, I’ll give you a ride every day, there and back. The student’s mother, worrying from thousands of miles away, was relieved and overjoyed.
When an incoming student called the Admissions Office from Regional One and asked if he could still start school this summer after losing a leg in a car accident, Cotton said, Of course you can, and we’ll provide these services to help you. Then, she jumped in her car and drove to the hospital with balloons and CBU swag.
Cotton has never been shy about her desire to help others. From her seven years as a police officer, primarily stationed at Lester Community Center, to a combined 34 years as a math and reading instructional coach at a Whitehaven elementary school and later as a truancy advisor at Memphis-Shelby County Schools, she has given a voice to those who often can’t get anyone to listen.
Cotton decided to retire from MSCS in August 2024 after the then-leadership cut the Student Equity, Enrollment & Discipline team. Uncertain of her next move, Cotton began to explore her options and applied for a role as an Admissions Counselor at CBU.
Lisa Manning in the Admissions Office was on Cotton’s interview panel and extended the offer to bring Cotton to CBU as the 2024-25 school year began.
“Gail brings to Admissions an exceptional work ethic and professional demeanor,” said Manning. “Her no-nonsense connection with students sets high expectations while ensuring they feel heard and valued.”
At first, Cotton focused on assisting new students entering CBU as undergraduate freshmen, but found her recruiting “sweet spot” last winter.
“Now I work with the older population—those who stopped going to school and want to start back, and athletes who are transferring,” she said. “It’s rewarding to work with people who may have applied, started, but never finished. They are so grateful that someone is reaching out to help them navigate the process of going back to school.”
Many of those considering a return to CBU are former nursing students.
“I find students who left the program in 2023 or 2024, and I call them to find out what happened,” said Cotton. “Oftentimes, they’ve run into financial hardship or dropped out to care for a sick parent. Being a more mature worker, I get it. I’ve been there and am able to relate and be empathic.”
CBU has been the perfect fit for Cotton at this stage of her career. She brings wisdom, compassion, and humor to the role and has quickly become a favorite of students, faculty, and staff.
“Gail is an individual who can laugh and connect with students—those currently here, as well as prospective ones,” said Justin Brooks, CBU’s Assistant Director of Recruitment and Strategy. “This, along with her ability to be a second mom to many, only helps create a more communal environment! It creates space—for trust, communication, and all the things students need to learn about to succeed.”
Cotton’s office is in Buckman Hall.
