Erica Carmon: A 15-Year Journey of Impact at UEI College

When Erica Carmon first walked through the doors of UEI College’s San Marcos campus in 2009, she had no idea she’d spend the next 15 years becoming a vital thread in the fabric of the institution. Now a Senior Payment Specialist at the Oceanside campus (which replaced the former San Marcos campus), Erica is marking a milestone anniversary, and reflecting on the journey that’s kept her close to her hometown and even closer to the students she loves to serve.

“I didn’t think I’d be here this long, to be honest,” she said with a smile. “But when you find purpose in your work and your workplace feels like a community, time just flies.”

A Homegrown Advocate

Born and raised in Oceanside, Erica brought with her deep ties to the local community and a passion for helping others. After years in retail, including management roles at national franchises, she was recruited to UEI by a former colleague. What began as a role in the business office blossomed into a career defined by student support and campus advocacy.

“I started as the business manager. At the time, the role covered everything: collections, financial advising, even some instructional assistant duties,” she said. “But what stuck with me was helping students. That’s what kept me going.”

When the Oceanside campus opened just six miles from her home, it felt like a perfect fit. “I remember driving by during construction. There were ducks floating around in the flooded parking lot,” she laughed. “To see it become a place of opportunity for this community, it’s been amazing.”

Today, as a Senior Payment Specialist, Erica offers more than just financial guidance. She connects students with resources for housing, food, and transportation, often drawing on her personal knowledge of the Oceanside area. “I’ve lived here all my life,” she said. “I know where students can get fresh food, where the community support is. That’s part of my role too.”

Why She Stays

Ask Erica what keeps her motivated, and she doesn’t hesitate: seeing students on graduation day.

“You see these students walk in unsure, scared, not knowing what the future holds. And then one day, they’re walking across the stage, hugging their kids, introducing you to their families,” she said. “That’s the reward. That’s the moment I know I’ve made a difference.”

She’s also stayed for the culture and the benefits. “Where else am I going to get this kind of work-life balance?” she said. “Paid time off, great health benefits, the ESOP, 401(k) matching. It’s rare.”

The Employee Stock Option Plan, or ESOP is a benefit that Erica says really stands out. “It is giving me the opportunity to see my retirement grow,” she said. “It is a wonderful perk among all of the others we have here.”

Erica is also a mentor and role model for new employees. She offers sage advice drawn from her tenure: “If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. I can find you the right person.” She emphasizes the opportunities for growth at UEI and IEC, pointing to colleagues who started at the front desk and rose to senior-level roles. “There’s advancement at UEI,” she says. “We have students that have become instructors. There are so many opportunities.”

“I always tell them: this might be your entry-level role, but there’s opportunity here,” she said. “I’ve seen front desk staff become directors. I’ve seen graduates return as instructors. If you’re open to growth, UEI will meet you halfway.”

She says that her longevity with the college has given her a unique vantage point. “Even at five years in, I was surprised at the training and tools they gave me. That’s what helped me grow,” she said. “Now, I get to share that with others.”

“I’ve had the honor of working alongside Erica for 15 years, and she’s nothing short of incredible. Her commitment to our students, her deep roots in the community, and her ability to lead with heart and purpose make her one of the most inspiring people I know. She doesn’t just do her job; she transforms lives,” said her supervisor Vagarsh “Vee” Megrabyan, Director of Collections.

"Erica Carmon is the heart of our Oceanside campus. Her 15 years of unwavering dedication to our students and community have made a lasting impact,” said Jaclyn Marquez, UEI Oceanside Executive Director. “She goes beyond her role, connecting students with resources and celebrating their successes, embodying the spirit of UEI."

Life Beyond Campus

When she’s not on campus, Erica is either planning her next trip or spending time with her small but close-knit family, which includes her daughter, mother, and future son-in-law. “Working in retail, I never had real vacations. But now I travel, I go on cruises. We’re planning a trip to Greece next year when my daughter finishes her master’s.”

And though she jokes that her days are mostly “work and home,” she still surprises people. “My very first job? I was a deckhand on a fishing boat,” she said. “I loved the outdoors, especially places like Alaska.”

Fifteen years in, Erica remains a steady presence on campus. She has seen generations of students succeed, and she’s still excited for what comes next.

“As long as I’m making a difference, I’m where I need to be,” she said. “And honestly, I’m just getting started.”