Since joining the Wittenberg family in 2005, President Mark H. Erickson has ensured that the university exceeds expectations. Engaged in all facets of campus life, Erickson has worked collaboratively to encourage innovative thinking and to develop creative partnerships on campus and off to highlight Wittenberg’s distinctive qualities, and to attract the best and brightest students to the university’s doors.
With more than 10 years of experience in student development, Erickson also brings a thorough understanding of the student experience and regularly advocates for student representation and feedback at Wittenberg’s 13th president.
A stalwart proponent of infusing the curriculum with international perspective, Erickson has insisted that students have a global experience during their four years at Wittenberg, one of the nation’s top liberal arts institutions.
A member of numerous professional associations and a presenter at national and international conferences on such topics as international education, global citizenship, student attitudes, the impact of residential colleges and the role of universities as engines for economic development, Erickson is also a staunch supporter of Wittenberg’s hometown of Springfield. He currently serves on several local and regional boards dedicated to improving the quality of life in Springfield and to increasing opportunities for graduates to serve in the community and the surrounding area.
In addition to his significant experience in global education, diversity, student development and community engagement, Erickson brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, the result of which can be seen in the university’s strategic plan titled Distinctively Wittenberg: A Vision of Excellence.
Prior to arriving at Wittenberg, Erickson served as the vice president for administrative and government affairs at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., as well as a top adviser to Lehigh’s president.
Erickson earned his A.B. in American history from Princeton University, his Ed.M. from Harvard University and his Ed.D. in educational leadership from Lehigh University where he received the Matthew W. Gaffney Award for academic excellence. He also completed additional study in world religions and pastoral care at Harvard Divinity School.
Erickson’s wife, Lin, is the director of government, corporate and foundations relations at Wittenberg. They are the proud parents of two grown children, Sarah and David.