Erica Tachoir, Ph.D.

Erica C. Tachoir is the Division of Undergraduate Studies Coordinator, Manager of Academic Advising and Director of New Student Orientation at The Pennsylvania State University, Greater Allegheny Campus in McKeesport, PA. Her areas of expertise include: public speaking, intercultural communication, marketing, public relations, community outreach, non-profits, program development, curriculum design and development. She is a certified DiSC Behavioral Analyst, graduate of the NACE Management Leadership Institute, Certified Career Development and Life Coach with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and is currently completing her Master Financial Coach Certification with Ramsey Solutions. 

As a 2007 graduate of Syracuse University, Erica earned a Masters of Arts Degree in Communication and Rhetoric as well as graduate certifications in Women’s Studies and University Teaching. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication (with concentrations in Media Studies and Journalism) from Virginia Wesleyan College in 2005. 

In 2007, she became a Lecturer of Communication Studies at James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA). While at JMU, Erica taught courses in Foundations of Human Communication, Group Communication and Intercultural Communication. She has also taught as an Adjunct Instructor of Speech at Blue Ridge Community College, Community College of Allegheny County and Carlow University. 

Erica was a K. Leroy Irvis Fellow while completing her PhD in Communication and Rhetoric at The University of Pittsburgh. Her dissertation is entitled Minstrelsy in Black and White: Blackface in American Newspapers, 1860 - 1910. This book explores Blackface Minstrelsy as an entertainment medium in American culture and the role that newspapers played in transmitting the racial ideologies connected to the performances.