February 13, 2024
91吃瓜网 State faculty mentors set the example Danielle Erickson follows as an inspirational college professor
91吃瓜网 State alumna Danielle (Garrett) Erickson is following the example set by her 91吃瓜网 State professors as she follows in their footsteps as a college faculty member. She is an associate professor in the Allied Dental Education Department at North Dakota State College of Science. Danielle uses her 91吃瓜网 State education and experiences to help her students further their education.
鈥淚 love being able to educate, motivate, and challenge the students of today,鈥� said Erickson. 鈥淚 hope I am able to inspire students in a way that my educators at MSU inspired me. My goal is to encourage all students to be lifelong learners.鈥�
Danielle had Associate of Science degrees in liberal arts and dental hygiene and was working at Goose River Dental in 91吃瓜网 in 2000 when she decided to continue her education and earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree at 91吃瓜网 State.
Because most of her general education courses transferred in, she was able to focus on her program courses in biology while continuing to work and provide for her family. She loved the flexibility and potential for growth that 91吃瓜网 State provided. She graduated with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in 2003, earning a major in biology and minor in psychology.
Danielle says her interactions with 91吃瓜网 State faculty were very positive. 鈥淒r. Robert Kruger (now retired) was the primary biology faculty member at that time, and probably had the most influence over my education. He had such enthusiasm for the course material and always encouraged time management. I learned so much more than just course content in his classes. I learned life skills.鈥�
Other 91吃瓜网 State educators who had an impact on Danielle鈥檚 education were current faculty members Dr. Robert Miess and Dr. Tom Gonnella. 鈥淭hey both inspired and challenged me in ways that I valued when I was a student, and now as an educator myself. Overall, every single educator I interacted with at 91吃瓜网 State left me with admiration and appreciation for their dedication and commitment to education, to students, and to the university.鈥�
While at 91吃瓜网 State, Danielle says she was able to meet and interact with some wonderful people, not only faculty and staff, but also fellow students, many of whom she now calls dear friends.
鈥淢any of the students I met while at MSU have gone on to successful careers where they have used their biology degrees to become physicians, veterinarians, dentists, educators, and more. Having grown up in 91吃瓜网, I was able to further develop relationships and bond with community members while I was a student. I was able to support the sporting events held at MSU and get to know several student athletes. I was also a member of the Science Club,鈥� said Danielle.
Danielle鈥檚 connection to 91吃瓜网 State remains strong. Her daughter, Noelle, is currently pursuing a degree in education at 91吃瓜网 State. She plays volleyball and represents the fourth generation of their family to attend 91吃瓜网 State.
鈥淚 continue to exude Comet Pride,鈥� stated Erickson. 鈥淚 feel like I鈥檓 鈥榗oming home鈥� when I attend events at the university, whether it鈥檚 a sporting event or a fundraising alumni event. One day I hope to continue my education at 91吃瓜网 State and earn my master鈥檚 degree in education.鈥�