Sergeant Major (SGM) Lisa Cowboy, a native of Chilchinbeto, AZ, enlisted in the US Army in 1997, beginning her career as an information systems analyst. In 2007, she reclassified as a career counselor, broadening her expertise in soldier development, career management, and retention.
Over more than 28 years of distinguished service, Cowboy has held a variety of leadership and instructional assignments across the US and South Korea and completed two combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. She now serves as an instructor in the Department of Command Leadership at the Sergeants Major Academy, where she develops and mentors the Army’s senior enlisted leaders.
Throughout her career, Cowboy has served as an instructor in both of her military occupational specialties, developing future leaders and advancing the Army’s mission.
She is a graduate of the Sergeants Major Course and numerous professional military education programs. She holds an M.A. in Leadership Studies from the University of Texas at El Paso, an M.S. in Instructional Design, Development, and Evaluation from Syracuse University School of Education, and a M.S. in Strategic Communication from Columbia University. She is pursuing an Ed.D. in Applied Learning Sciences at the University of Miami.
Cowboy’s military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal (4 service stars), among others. She is married to SGM Derek M. Yazzie, and together they have one son, Ethan.
Describe your current role and its responsibilities.
I am an active-duty US Army soldier and participate in the Sergeants Major Academy (SGM-A) Fellowship Program. After receiving my M.S. in instructional design from SOE and completing the fellowship, I was assigned as an instructor within the Department of Command Leadership at SGM-A.
Over the last five years, I have accumulated two years of experience as a resident course instructor and presently serve as a distance learning instructor. My responsibilities span designing, delivering, and evaluating courses intended to develop senior enlisted leaders across all branches of the US Armed Forces and allied nations.
I facilitate leadership education, provide mentorship to students, and ensure that instructional strategies are aligned with the academy’s mission to prepare leaders for the challenges of complex, joint, and multinational operational environments.
“SOE provided a strong foundation in the theories of human learning while also giving me the confidence to embrace emerging tools and approaches.”
How did the School of Education prepare you for this role?
SOE prepared me by offering outstanding faculty guidance and a rigorous instructional design curriculum. The program emphasized the theories of human learning while providing numerous opportunities to apply them through hands-on projects.
These experiences culminated in a capstone project, where I designed, implemented, and assessed a learning environment aimed at enhancing human performance. The process not only strengthened my expertise but also enabled me to build a professional portfolio that showcases the depth and quality of my work.
What current trends do you see in your specialty and how are you addressing them?
The rapid pace of technological change, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), has reinforced the importance of adaptability in my work as an instructional designer.
SOE provided a strong foundation in the theories of human learning while also giving me the confidence to embrace emerging tools and approaches. This preparation has enabled me to continually refine and innovate the content I design, ensuring it remains engaging and impactful.
Just as importantly, it instilled in me a mindset of lifelong learning, one that drives me to stay current with technology trends and to use them thoughtfully to enhance learning outcomes. I am now building on this foundation by pursuing my Ed.D.
Which professors stood out for you most as a student at SOE?
Two professors who had a significant influence on my academic and professional development were Professor Tiffany A. Koszalka and Professor Rob Pusch.
Professor Koszalka’s expertise and mentorship pushed me to think critically about instructional design from both theoretical and applied perspectives, strengthening my ability to design and evaluate effective learning environments. During my time at Syracuse, she also served as the faculty advisor to the SGM-A fellowship students, providing invaluable guidance and support.
Professor Pusch distinguished himself through his ability to create a supportive and engaging learning experience, encouraging me to step beyond my comfort zone and apply new approaches with confidence. Together, their mentorship not only deepened my understanding of the field but also instilled in me the adaptability and commitment to continuous improvement that I carry into my current role.
Make a pitch for SOE—why should a prospective student choose the School of Education?
At SOE, you will gain both the theory and practical skills to design and improve learning experiences that matter. With supportive faculty, hands-on projects, and lasting mentorship, you’ll graduate prepared to thrive in an evolving educational landscape. Go Orange!