The staff spotlight series celebrates and elevates all the people who make the UI College of Education such a special place to work. This spotlight recognizes the critical contributions our staff members make to the College of Education community in support of our faculty and students. 

For 19 years, Stacy Ervin has served in the UI College of Education’s Office of Student Services. As the Teacher Education Program (TEP) coordinator, Ervin stays busy with processing applications and admission decisions to handling inquiries and scheduling. 

With experience in the press (like the West Liberty Index and the West Branch Times) as well as several UI offices (including the Office of Governmental Relations), Ervin has brought her communications expertise to the College of Education. 

Working at the College of Education was a full-circle moment for Ervin. Her mother, Janet Ervin, was the division secretary in the Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations for more than 30 years. 

“[My mom] always said the College of Education was the best place at the UI to work, and now that I have been here for two decades, I can say for sure that Mom knows best!” 

What does your job entail in the College of Education? 

Processing all Teacher Education Program applications and admissions decisions, assisting with TEP academic standing notifications, answering the ask-education@uiowa.edu general College of Education email, and scheduling for Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education and Educator Preparation.

What's your favorite memory as a Hawkeye? 

I'm a huge basketball fan, so being here for the Caitlin Clark effect was thrilling. I also enjoyed the day former UI men's basketball star Nicholas Baer came to speak to the College of Education. His uncle, Mitch Kelly (College of Education clinical professor of learning sciences and educational psychology), was my sociology teacher during his first teaching job at West Liberty High School in 1988, and he's still one of the greatest people I have ever known.  

What are your hobbies, interests, or special talents? What would colleagues be surprised to know about you? 

I grew up in a family that loved dirt-track racing, and I spent 12 years as a track official at the Sprint Car Capital of the World in Knoxville, Iowa (2001-12). I love my summer morning lap swim at Kimberly Park Pool in West Liberty. My cats are my children.  

Where is your favorite place to eat in downtown Iowa City? 

Since I have worked fully remote since COVID, I no longer spend much time downtown. But even if I did, my all-time favorite place will forever and always be The Mill.  

What is something on campus that you look forward to participating in or doing? 

I don't come to campus much anymore, so just popping in to say hi to my colleagues would be good. I do miss everyone's smiling faces and the camaraderie.  

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

I'm not a good traveler on earth, but I have been on a significant spiritual journey in the past several years, learning a lot about cosmic communications with those who have left this earth life and are living in other dimensions. If you need a good medium or animal communicator, I can recommend some amazing people! 

What book, movie, or TV show has been keeping your attention lately? 

It’s been a lot of WNBA in the past two years. During racing season, I watch a lot of DirtVision. In the fall and winter, it will be UI football and basketball. 

Visit the Celebrating College of Education staff page to nominate a colleague. Self nominations are also welcome.