Erica Shudt '18,'20 Joins CEHC as Director of ISSL Program

The College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC) at the University at Albany announces the appointment of Erica L. Shudt ’18, ’20 as director, Information Sciences School Libraries (ISSL).

CEHC’s ALA-accredited ISSL program is designed to position students to become leaders in information, assessment, technology and digital for K-12. Students may choose to pursue NYS initial teaching certification as a library media specialist, NYS professional certification (if applicants are certified teachers), licensure as a public librarian upon graduation, or a full-time school librarian.

“The ISSL program is a cornerstone graduate program and integral to the future of our College. School libraries are, in my mind, critical to children’s development and play an increasingly important role in fostering a love of learning while providing critical access to knowledge and technology especially for our most vulnerable populations,” said Robert Griffin, dean, College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity. “We are confident this important program will continue to grow and flourish under Erica’s direction.”

Most recently, Shudt served as a graduate assistant senior advisor for the Pathways Into Education Center in the School of Education at the University at Albany where she advised hundreds of prospective and current undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of admissions requirements, program information and teacher certification. Her experience with New York State regulations and how to navigate them in the advisement process will serve all ISSL students well as they move through the program toward certification.

At UAlbany, Shudt has also served as a graduate ambassador for the School of Education supporting the various needs of graduate students. Prior to joining the University, she worked for NYSDOH in the Center for Outreach and Education, Center for Environmental Health. She also worked at Human Resource Associates overseeing the Employee Assistance Program.

A two-time graduate of the University at Albany, Shudt holds a BS in Human Development, an MS in Mental Health Counseling and is pursuing her PhD in UAlbany’s Educational Policy and Leadership program.