Dr. Erin R. Wheeler

Dr. Erin R. Wheeler is the Executive Director of College Beyond, a New Orleans-based nonprofit whose mission is to help students get to and through college through trauma-informed coaching and microgrants. A native of Amite, LA, and a first-generation college graduate, Erin earned a B.S. in biology from Southeastern Louisiana University, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in STEM Education from Southern University and A&M College. With nearly 15 years of experience, Dr. Wheeler has leveraged her knowledge of STEM education, cognitive science, student development, teaching and learning, entrepreneurship, management, and leadership to help improve college completion rates for 1st-generation students. She is the author of two books for 1st-Generation college students, Geaux Wiser: Secrets to College Success and Live Wiser: The Ultimate Guide to Adulting.