Education

PhD, Capella University
MA, Argosy University
BS, Liberty University

Scholarly and Professional Achievements

Erica is a retired criminal psychologist, bringing 16 years of experience in higher education to Lees-McRae. She has served in a variety of roles at the college level, including adjunct instructor, program coordinator, assistant professor, and department chair of criminal justice and social sciences. She is a published author and researcher, and specializes in the design and creation of curriculum. Erica is invested in seeking opportunities to promote excellence, growth, and engagement for students that are passionate about thriving in the realm of criminal justice and behavioral science. 

She is a member of the Homicide Research Working Group, the American Criminal Justice Association, the Midwestern Criminal Justice Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Society of Criminology, the Alpha Phi Sigma National Honor Society, and the National Organization for Victim Assistance. She was the recipient of the 2013 Trine University Frank J. Jagoda Tau Alpha Omicron Outstanding Professor Award and the 2015 Trine University Andrew & Smith Excellence in Teaching Award in Arts & Sciences.

Institutional Service and Responsibilities

Erica is the Program Coordinator for Criminal Justice Extended Campus & Online Learning and also an Assistant Professor. Her areas of specialization include Forensic Investigations, Criminal Profiling, Victimology, Criminology, Forensic Psychology, Psychopathology, and the Cultivation of Deviant Behaviors.

Erica values working with first-generation college students, as she was also a first-generation college student; she understands the challenges and also the unique opportunity that these students bring to the higher learning environment as they are driven to be successful trailblazers in their families and communities alike.

Personal Interests

Erica is a native of Hampton Roads, VA; she thrives in academia and loves teaching and engaging with her students. When she is not working, you can find her reading books, exercising, trail walking, practicing yoga, publishing, writing, experimenting with new vegan options/recipes, or spending time with her family & friends.