Erika Adams joined the Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) in summer 2021 as business manager. She oversees financial aspects of the department, plus staff management and operations, and support of faculty’s sponsored projects.

In her role, Adams quickly came to enjoy the camaraderie that exists among EECS faculty and staff, and across all TCE departments. She is happy to help with any question for EECS.

“I can either answer it or get it to the correct person,” she said.

She brings a wealth of relative experience to the department, including expertise in planning large events for even hundreds of attendees.

“I have 19-years of experience in the for-profit sector of higher education,” said Adams. “Much of that experience parallels what is needed for my role in EECS.”

Originally from Jackson, Tennessee, Adams earned her undergraduate business degree at Lambuth University, then went on to South College for her MBA and Kaplan University for her MS in higher education.

“I started my career out as an assistant registrar at a small career college,” she said. “Then I worked my way up to being an instructor, then program Director to eventually Dean of Academic Affairs. Most recently, I held the position of director of operations for a doctoral program, which gave me the most useful experience for my current role at UTK.”

Outside of her UT job life, Adams loves anything and everything involving the outdoors: being on the water, gardening, bon fires, and road trips. She also enjoys spending time with her dog, Piper, and two cats, Willow and Bagheera.