Dr. Judy Beck Ericksen has been teaching at Elizabethtown College since 2007. 

Previously she taught as an adjunct at George Mason University, George Washington University, Gallaudet University and Shenandoah University. As an Occupational Therapist (OT), she has worked in many states including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Michigan, Virginia and Washington D.C.

She received her OT degree from Etown in 1980. At first, Ericksen wanted to go into teaching, but at the time there was an overflow of teachers. Her dad told her she wouldn’t get a job because of so many teachers. The College was starting OT as a new program and her mom worked there, so Ericksen knew all the details. Ericksen enjoys hands-on activities and OT was a natural fit for her to choose.

When she became a therapy specialist in Virginia, she realized she really liked supporting young therapists. 

“I really liked mentoring students and helping them find their way, so it seemed logical to go into teaching,” Ericksen said.

The core of her teaching is the relationships between students and herself. 

“It’s how you build it. It’s important to stay current with material and students. The feedback you get from them is critical,” Ericksen said.

It’s no surprise the best part of teaching for her is the students. 

“You think about something a certain way, then the students help you think about it in a different way,” Ericksen said.