Spring 2025 Graduate: Ericka Faison

Name: Ericka Faison

Major/Degree Program: MS-Instructional Technology with a Certificate in Distance Learning and Administration

Hometown/Current City: Greenville, NC

Hobbies/interests: I love spending time with my family and friends, serving in the community with my sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Iota Kappa Omega Chapter of Greenville, NC, shopping, and traveling

What’s your favorite memory from your time at ECU? One of my favorite memories from my time at ECU was teaching COAD 1000, a course designed to help freshmen students navigate their college journey. It was incredibly rewarding to guide students through the early stages of their academic careers, teaching them skills that would set them up for long-term success, whether it was time management, study strategies, or simply understanding how to balance their personal and academic lives. Being part of that first step for many students was both inspiring and humbling. Watching them grow in confidence as they learned how to navigate their college experience, face challenges, and plan for their future was one of the most fulfilling parts of my time at ECU.

What inspired you to pursue a career in education? I started my journey working in a college advising center, where I was surrounded by an incredible team of advisors who truly cared about helping students succeed. At the time, I hadn’t yet completed my own degree, but those same advisors (Kiya, Christina, Jason, Amy, and Dave) went above and beyond for me. They helped me review my transfer credits, guided me toward a degree program that aligned with my goals, and even supported me in finding the right internship to fulfill my graduation requirements. Their belief in me and their commitment to student success changed the trajectory of my life. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in education, where I could become the kind of advocate and support system that once made such a difference in my own journey.

Who has made the biggest impact on your journey here? Without a doubt, my professors in the Adult Education and Instructional Technology programs played a major role in shaping the educator and professional I am today. Their mentorship extended far beyond instruction, they challenged me to think critically about how adults learn, helped me understand the complex systems that drive higher education, and showed me what it truly means to create meaningful, inclusive, and effective learning experiences. They didn’t just teach theory, they modeled it. Even in a fully online program, the real-world projects and hands-on use of learning technologies gave me the confidence and practical skills to thrive in today’s digital learning landscape. Thanks to their guidance, I left my graduate programs not only with knowledge, but with a clear sense of purpose: to support learners in ways that are thoughtful, tech-savvy, student-centered, and empathetic

What’s next after graduation? After graduation, I’m excited about the opportunity to either expand within my current role or step into a leadership position that allows me to have a broader impact on learners and learning systems. I’ve built a strong foundation in adult education, instructional technology, and distance learning, and I’m ready to apply those skills in more strategic, high-impact ways. Whether it’s leading the development of innovative learning programs, mentoring others in the field, or helping shape the vision for how organizations support learners, I’m looking for opportunities where I can grow as a leader and advocate. I’d love to take on more responsibility in areas like program design, faculty development, or digital learning strategy, especially in spaces committed to inclusive practices, innovation, and lifelong learning.

What advice would you give to future College of Education students? Don’t let barriers keep you from pursuing your lifelong goals. Life may be busy, you might be working full-time, raising a family, or juggling other responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean your dreams have to be put on hold. With determination, support, and a clear vision, you can succeed. Believe in your ability to grow, even when the path feels challenging. Whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve, and not just survive the journey but thrive through it. I’m living proof that it’s possible to meet both your personal and professional goals, no matter where you’re starting from.

How has the College of Education prepared you for the classroom (or your next step?)The curriculum has given me a solid grounding in adult learning theories, instructional technology, and distance learning, but more importantly, it has taught me how to apply these concepts in meaningful ways.

From Dr. Rebecca Clark-Stallkamp (assistant professor in instructional technology): Ericka is an exemplary academic in the MS Instructional Technology degree. During her studies, she has implemented and used her training and knowledge to benefit ECU in her daily job as an ECU academic advisor and then as an ECU state authorization specialist. Ericka takes great pride in her work and continuously creates innovative, learner-centered experiences that address the diverse needs of students while fostering meaningful connections in virtual spaces. Additionally, Ericka has supported the IT program by organizing and attending graduate recruitment fairs to speak about her positive experiences in the IT program. Equipped with her degree, Ericka will use technology to enhance educational outcomes while preserving the human connections that make learning transformative. She will absolutely continue making a positive impact on students’ lives!