Dr. Pamela Epley Appointed as Vice President of Academic Affairs

On July 1, Erikson President Mariana Souto-Manning promoted long-time faculty member Pamela Epley, PhD to Vice President of Academic Affairs.

This promotion acknowledges Dr. Epley’s remarkable contributions as Interim Senior Vice President while simultaneously serving as Dean of Faculty since 2021.

Erikson’s Board of Trustees fully supported this decision. “The Board is thrilled that President Souto-Manning has appointed Pam Epley as Vice President of Academic Affairs. Pam has served superbly in her role as Interim Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, and we have every confidence that she will continue to play a pivotal role in leading the faculty and Erikson’s academic programs as we move forward to expand and increase the impact of our mission in the State of Illinois and beyond,” said Elenne Song, Board Chair.

As Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Epley will oversee degree program development, curriculum, staffing, and other key functions of ensuring Erikson’s academic programs are current, compliant with accrediting bodies, and all student support services.

Dr. Epley started her career as a physical therapist, working in early intervention and early childhood school-based settings. After earning a master’s in education, she went on to earn her PhD in Special Education at the University of Kansas and began teaching at Erikson in 2009. Over the years, Dr. Epley has conducted ground-breaking research in early childhood special education, and advanced from assistant to clinical professor.

“I have had the absolute pleasure of working with Pam for nearly a year, and I am extremely pleased to have her as a permanent addition to Erikson’s leadership team,” Dr. Souto-Manning said. “Pam’s academic and managerial talents have benefited Erikson in many ways for over a decade, and I know she will continue to elevate our academic affairs in the coming years.”