Erica Kryst

Erica was a first-generation college student and grew up in rural, Northeastern Pennsylvania. For over 15 years she has worked in higher education beginning her career in Multicultural Student Services and Residence Life. For the past 12 years, she has worked in Career Services, first at The Pennsylvania State University where she served as a career counselor, and then at Binghamton University in the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development. There she served as Senior Associate Director for Career Experiences and Education and guided career center initiatives that supported equity and inclusion, oversaw career consulting services as well as a credit-bearing internship program. Erica has also taught numerous courses focused on professional development, internships, and career exploration. In the fall of 2022, she took on the role Executive Director of Career Services at Cornell University. In this role, Erica leads the central career team under Student and Campus Life, collaborates for career professionals in college-based offices, and sets the vision for career services across the institution. She also serves as a divisional leader in Student & Campus Life and sits on the Vice Presidents Council.

Erica earned a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre and Communications from Susquehanna University, a Master of Science in Education in College Student Personnel from Bucknell University, and a PhD in Educational Theory and Policy with a minor in Comparative and International Education from The Pennsylvania State University. Her research focuses on college access and the higher education experiences and post-graduation plans of college students from rural communities. Erica lives in Ithaca, NY with her husband John and her two children, Johnny and Vera – and their dogs, Pickles and Dottie.