Talk Show Host “Piper Harlow” Found Her Next Chapter Through the LSU Shreveport MBA

As the host of The Piper Harlow Show, Jennifer DeCosta spent years celebrating the creativity, courage, and persistence of entrepreneurs chasing their dreams. But behind the camera, Jennifer was quietly pursuing a dream of her own. 

After more than a decade of running her own PR business and working as a global sales trainer, Jennifer realized that to truly grow her platform, she needed something more. She wanted to deepen her business knowledge, strengthen her leadership skills, and earn the academic credibility that matched her real-world experience. That desire led her to the online LSUS MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise. 

Balancing a growing career, family, and a talk show wasn’t easy, but Jennifer saw it as her next big challenge that would shape her both personally and professionally.  

Meet Jennifer DeCosta 

What initially made you apply to the online LSUS MBA with an Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise concentration? 

I’ve been an entrepreneur since 2009 and am about to start a talk show on News 12+ in New York and New Jersey called The Piper Harlow Show (my alias), which focuses on entrepreneurship and entertainment, so I wanted to have the credibility behind my name. 

How did you balance life, work, and studies? 

It was difficult at times, especially not having been in school for nearly two decades. I would have to designate a few hours in the evenings during the week, and sometimes I would spend a whole Saturday studying for my exams. 

Can you share a specific example of how you applied what you learned? 

On my talk show, I often referenced ideas and concepts that I had learned in my classes, which were relevant to the topics at hand. 

What did you appreciate most about the faculty and support services? 

Meeks was my absolute favorite professor, and I took him for two classes. He created a cohort environment in which I am still friends with those classmates today. Also, my advisor, Eureka, is absolutely amazing. She was always there for me if I had any questions regarding my schedule and was even able to help me get into a class that I needed to graduate. She is just one of the sweetest human beings I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. 

How has the program impacted your personal and professional life? 

Yes, I actually just landed a job at Grainger, thanks to our fellow classmate. 

What advice would you give to prospective students considering the program? 

I would definitely encourage anybody interested in getting a master’s degree to just go ahead and do it. It’s a lot of hard work, but the weeks fly by. 

What are your career goals? 

To continue with my talk show in 2026 and grow my media empire. 

Can you share a success story related to your career? 

I’ve been a global sales trainer, I’ve had my own public relations business since 2009, and I fully produce my own talk show on News 12 in New York and New Jersey. 

How did your experience as the host of The Piper Harlow Show shape or influence your graduate school journey—and vice versa? 

It’s honestly the reason that I wanted to get my master’s. Even though I’ve had my own business since 2009, I knew that there were things about business knowledge that I was lacking—but I didn’t even know what those things were. A dear friend of mine, Ann Kaplan Mulholland, who has multiple master’s degrees and a PhD, encouraged me to continue my education. When I saw that LSU had a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise, I immediately knew that this is where I wanted to be. Although I think it’s extremely important to have business knowledge, the credibility of having a master’s just opens even more doors and really makes you the subject matter expert. 

What impact do you hope your talk show will have on others—and how did your MBA help you refine that vision? 

My hope is to always inspire others to be the best that they can be. I think a lot of people often feel that they could have or should have done something earlier in life and that time is passing them by. I want everyone to know that they can achieve any goal at any age if they believe in themselves. We only get a short ride on this earth, so let’s do as much as possible and don’t ever listen to anybody who tells you you can’t achieve your dreams. 

Turn Your Ambition into Action with LSU Online 

Jennifer’s story shines with resilience, reinvention, and optimism, and it’s the same spirit that drives so many learners to take their next step. With the online LSUS MBA in Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise (offered through LSU Online), she strengthened her expertise and also discovered new ways to lead, connect, and inspire others through her work. 

If you’re ready to grow your business, refine your leadership skills, or transform your career on your own terms, explore the online MBA in Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise and apply today!