Tiffany Rauschkolb, BA Kinesiology 2002, MA Kinesiology 2004

Director of Ticket Operations, Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

Tiffany Rauschkolb joined the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association staff as Director of Ticket Operations in October 2021.  In her role, Tiffany works on ticket operations for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, focusing on system management, aiding with digital marketing efforts, and serving as a liaison for participating institutions.  Tiffany previously spent 13 years with the Dallas Cowboys organization as a Senior Event Specialist in the franchise’s ticket operations department. Her extensive experience in ticket operations also includes time as Assistant Director, Ticketing Operations for the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans). Tiffany got her start as Coordinator of Event Operations in the athletics department at her alma mater, Southeastern Louisiana University. The Marrero, La., native earned two degrees from Southeastern. Tiffany currently resides in Dallas, TX.

 Tiffany in France

Learn more about Tiffany:

Why did you choose to attend Southeastern?

I knew I wanted to stay in state but was unsure of which of the New Orleans area universities I was going to attend.  A couple of my high school friends planned a campus tour of Southeastern and I randomly decided to join them.  Southeastern was not on my radar.  However, I fell in love with the campus as soon as I set foot on it.  I honestly feel that my path in life would be completely different if I had not decided to choose Southeastern.  It is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!  

Is there one thing or iconic place on campus that reminds you of your time spent at Southeastern?

Yes, the now demolished Lee Hall dormitory!  It was the site of my first overnight stay during my freshman orientation.  It also served as the first dorm I was assigned to as a freshman.  I have so many good memories of making new friends, of hanging out, and of goofing off with my suitemates while living there. Lee Hall is also where my Orientation Leader team spent one sleepless, but amazing summer.  We were the only people assigned to the dorm that summer, so we took full advantage!  There may or may not have been a huge, soapy slip-n-slide created in the courtyard one weekend that summer…  #GoTeamGridironGreen

Did a Southeastern professor inspire you? Who was that and how was that person inspirational?

Dr. Heather Lawrence (now Lawrence-Benedict) was not my professor but was a past Assistant Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator for Southeastern’ s Athletic Department.  She “stole” me away from a graduate assistant position in the Kinesiology Department to work as a graduate assistant in the Athletic Department.  She was my mentor, and I am truly privileged to have had the opportunity to work and learn from her.  She is incredibly inspiring. She taught me the value of working hard, seeking challenges in my career, and fighting for what was fair and for what I deserved in my professional development.  She is an absolute rock star!

What unexpected experience or event shaped and/or influenced your current professional life?

Hurricane Katrina had a hand in my career path.  During this time, a friend of mine worked for the New Orleans Hornets in the ticket operations department.  The team was temporarily relocating to Oklahoma City.  They needed help setting up operations and getting ready for the fast approaching season.  My friend asked if I was free to help for a few weeks.  I didn’t hesitate and hopped on a plane to OKC the very next day.  I had to learn ticket operations within a week and then help the team setup and relocate games in 2 states and in 4 different cities that season—OKC, Norman, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.  I was soon asked to stay on with the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets fulltime.  That began my career in ticket operations, which eventually led me to the Dallas Cowboys, and now the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

Has something about your Southeastern education surprised you since graduating?

I’m an introvert to the core.  Looking back now, I realize that my experiences on Southeastern’ s campus brought me out of my shell.  With it being a smaller campus, I had more opportunities to know my classmates and professors and to get involved with campus clubs and activities.  I was able to grow and evolve at my own pace and comfort level.  You are never fully prepared for “the real world”, but my time at Southeastern definitely made the transition much easier.

What advice would you give to a driven college student about to enter the "real world"?

Sometimes it’s not only about what you know, but also who you know.  Network and build relationships but be professional and genuine when doing so.  Continue to work hard and treat everyone you meet along the way with respect.  You never know where your next opportunity will come from. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I love to travel.  When I’m not travelling or visiting my family in the New Orleans area, I enjoy attending any and all live music shows/concerts, art exhibits, and sporting events.

Do you have a fun or interesting fact that you would like to share about yourself?

I was a cast member for the Walt Disney World College Program as an undergrad.  My friend, and fellow Southeastern alumna interviewed and made the cut to be cast members.  We were randomly assigned 4 other College Program roommates from across the country.  Since the summer of 1998, the 6 of us have remained constant in each other’s lives.  Every few years we get together in a different city to celebrate our friendship and compare newly developing wrinkles.