Erin Talley Pittman is a doctoral candidate completing a dissertation in Higher Education with research focusing on post secondary retention, progression, and graduation. She holds also degrees in English Rhetoric and Literature. Talley Pittman has served in the roles of instructor for composition, literature, African American studies, and general humanities for multiple institutions in the state of Illinois. She has worked as a TRiO advocate, testing proctor, and curriculum developer. She has also taught, and provided tutoring and reading assistance for k-12 students. Additionally, Talley Pittman has developed conferencing programming in conjunction with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) that has reached national audiences. She was, lately, happy to assist in the streamlining and enhancement efforts to provide our students with contemporary, progressive, and innovative services at a liberals arts university. Talley Pittman presently finds joy in her service on the board for STEAMPipelines.