Dr. Erica Eckert (she/her) is Assistant Professor in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs at Kent State University.  Dr. Eckert brings 15 years of administrative experience into her faculty role and strives to connect theory to practice. She serves as the coordinator of Kent State’s Institutional Research and Assessment certificate and teaches courses on assessment and accreditation, business administration, and technology, systems and data in the higher education space.  Dr. Eckert’s scholarship focuses on critical issues of administration, assessment, accreditation, and institutional effectiveness in higher education with the goal of identifying valid and persuasive ways to communicate quality.  Dr. Eckert has completed the Planning Institutes 1, 2, and 3, and has served as a webcast presenter for SCUP and NASPA. Outside of work, Erica serves as a board member for the Portage Animal Protective League board and enjoys crocheting, gardening, cooking, and reading.