In being the Associate Vice President of Workforce Development she is an associate member of the National Association of State Directors of Advance Career and Technical Education, President Elect of the Alaska Association of Career an Technical Education, on the Board of Directors for the Alaska Process Industries Careers Consortium, Chair of the UA Fisheries, Seafood and Maritime Initiative, and Co-chair of the Alaska Maritime Education Consortium. Cothren is also an active member in the implementation of the Alaska Career and Technical Education Plan and workforce development plans for Alaska industries in health, maritime, mining and oil & gas. In 2016, Cothren received the UA Statewide President's Spotlight Award for her significant contributions in CTE and workforce development.

As an alumna of UAA and UAA Athletics Women's Basketball, in 2012 Cothren co-sponsored and continues to develop the Seawolf Athlete Alumni Chapter to strengthen alumni connections with the University and encourage them to give back in support of current student-athletes and degree programs. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling to experience different locales and cultures.