Dr. Erin Banks

Dr. Erin R. Banks is an advocate for equity and inclusion and is keenly aware of the impact a quality education has on individuals’ career trajectories and long-term opportunities. She is committed to creating access, equity, and equality through her work.

With over 20 years of experience in education, her work has encompassed conducting basic and evaluation research, developing interventions, providing executive leadership to a wide range of community and government programs and agencies, and implementing student retention programs. Key areas of focus include academic and student success, executive leadership and nonprofit organizations, and civic and community engagement. Her experience spans working with diverse communities in North Carolina, state and local CBOs, and colleges and universities across the country.

She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Florida A&M University and Ph.D. from North Carolina State University, specializing in Ecological/Community (Health) Psychology. Students have rated her undergraduate psychology teaching as exceptional, and her classes attracted a diverse student body. Additionally, she travels nationwide to promote education and present “Best Practices” on increasing retention and graduation rates among underrepresented and underserved students.

Specialties: Community Psychology, Executive leadership, Program management, Nonprofit management, Program Evaluation, Participatory Action Research, Health Promotion Interventions, Ecological Programming, Peer Mentoring, and Faculty Mentoring, Student Success and STEM, Diversity Training and Conflict Resolution