Dear USF Community,
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Echols as the assistant vice president for student engagement and belonging. Since October 2024, Erin has served as the interim assistant vice president for student engagement, leading the student engagement unit within the Division of Student Life.
Erin Echols has been a member of USF’s Student Life staff for over 11 years, leading efforts to strengthen the student experience as the director of the Cultural Centers department, which includes the Intercultural Center and Gender & Sexuality Center and their related programs. During that time, she supervised staff and administered programs and initiatives while working closely with students, staff, faculty, and librarians, and created meaningful opportunities for connection and growth in both large-scale programs and smaller, intimate spaces.
Known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to student and staff development, Erin has served on numerous university committees and campus-wide initiatives focused on belonging and advocacy, including multi-year leadership of the President’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Women, the Bias Education Resource Team, and the Title IX Task Force. She has advised the Culturally-Focused Clubs Council and expanded the university’s End of the Year Ceremonies (cultural commencements) from four to seven ceremonies. Additionally, she worked with graduate students and staff to establish the Gender Inclusive Clothing Closet program to serve trans and non-binary students through affirming, identity-based resources, and complementing the Student Life’s Basic Needs Program. Erin is currently leading the working group that is focused on student success and experience in the strategic enrollment planning process.
Prior to coming to USF, Erin worked for 14 years, in both large public and small private institutions, in many of the areas she will now be overseeing in her new role, including multicultural and LGBTQ centers, orientation programs, and student activities.
She is especially passionate about empowering students to use their authentic voice, build community, and develop the skills needed to meaningfully engage in diverse and evolving environments. Through her new role, Erin aims to develop and shape experiences that help students feel seen, supported, and inspired throughout their time at USF and beyond.
Please join me in congratulating Erin on her new role!
Sincerely,
Shannon Gary EdD
Vice President of Student Life