09/30/2026
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our former Executive Director, Dr. Erin Wheeler.
For those of you who knew Erin, you knew she was a force. She was a writer, a mentor, and a passionate advocate for the power of education to transform lives. During her time at College Beyond, Erin helped the organization navigate immense change through COVID, welcomed new staff members, and expanded the reach of our program, always keeping students, their needs, and their well-being at the forefront. She understood that the impact of this work extends far beyond a single student, and she brought that belief to everything she did often reminding our coaches that when you support one student in earning their college degree, you support three generations in that process.
As a leader, Erin prioritized the wellbeing and dignity of students and staff alike. She created a culture and a team that supported one another to be able to continue to work for social justice within complex systems. Her legacy lives on through the hundreds of students she supported, the coaches and staff she mentored, and the community she inspired. We are deeply grateful for all she gave to College Beyond and to the students at the heart of our work.
We will miss her deeply and our love and condolences go out to her family, friends, community and colleagues during this time.
