Who knew that her aunt’s trip to Williston, North Dakota to visit Erica would result in her becoming a PVCC Puma? Yes, Williston is a “very cold place” so an invitation to move to Arizona and attend PVCC was particularly inviting. Erica shares, “The name alone sounded magical to me during one of the coldest winters in memory, and I was ready to pack my bags that day.”
Erica’s Aunt, Karen Fehr, recently retired PVCC faculty, played a key role and “helped me navigate my first college experience, put me in contact with colleagues who helped me along the way, and encouraged me to try new things.” Another key influencer was Heather Kruse, who encouraged Erica to get involved on campus. Ultimately, those experiences led to a career in Student Life & Leadership within the Maricopa Community Colleges District.
“My involvement in the Emerging Leaders (EL) program is my fondest memory from my time at PVCC,” Erica says. “I was a member of the very first Emerging Leadership program, as well as the first Emerging Leaders 2 backpacking experience. It was my first experience with leadership training, and it truly was life changing. I learned valuable leadership skills from a team of instructors who made it easy to understand and enjoyable.”
Erica’s involvement in Recreational Outing Club, Phi Theta Kappa and Student Government helped her develop great memories, experiences, and friendships. Something sweeter came when Erica tried something unexpected. Despite having never played the game, Erica picked up a club and joined PVCC’s first Women’s Golf team. “Little did I know that I’d be playing in golf tournaments with my future husband, who I would meet just a few years later when I was working at a golf course. Of course, I never would have worked at that golf course had I not developed an interest in golf during my time playing for the PVCC women’s team.”
Although she didn’t realize it at the time, Erica’s choice to become involved on campus by joining her first club – the Recreational Outing Club – helped her become the person she is today. “It gave me the confidence and desire to do more, and by the end of my time at PVCC, I had had so many great experiences.” Upon completing her Associates degree at PVCC, Erica returned home to North Dakota, and received her bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University-Moorhead. When I think of my Alma Mater, PVCC is the first place that comes to mind, and I truly believe that was because I felt much more connected to that institution and its people.”
Erica’s experience at PVCC led her to pursue a career in Student Life and Leadership. She wanted to “provide those same experiences to others.” Erica started her career at Phoenix College before moving to the Mesa Community College Red Mountain campus where she has “built a thriving, innovative, and successful Student Life program” and it all started because of her experiences at PVCC.