Meet Dr. Eryca Neville: Educator, Advocate and Member of the Stephens College Board of Trustees
When Dr. Eryca Neville joined the Stephens College Board of Trustees, she brought more than two decades of experience in education, community partnerships and student advocacy.
As Principal of Frederick Douglass High School in Columbia Public Schools, Neville has spent more than 15 years helping students navigate challenges, discover opportunities and prepare for life beyond graduation. Now entering her second year as a trustee, she brings that experience in education, community leadership and student advocacy to the Stephens Board of Trustees.
“I see education as a step in a process, not an end goal,” Neville said. “We’re not the end.”
Bringing a Local Voice to Stephens
Neville’s commitment to education is reflected in her own academic journey. She earned bachelor’s degrees in economics and marketing, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, an educational specialist degree in educational administration and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, all from the University of Missouri. Today, she brings that combination of academic expertise and practical leadership experience to her work in Columbia Public Schools and on the Stephens College Board of Trustees.
Throughout her career, Neville has been recognized as an NAACP Outstanding Educator, a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and the recipient of the 2022 ATHENA International Leadership Award.
Neville said much of her motivation comes from her three children, whom she describes as her ‘why’ — a source of inspiration throughout her career in education and community leadership.
As one of the few board members who live and work in Columbia, Neville offers a unique perspective on the needs of local students and the community Stephens serves.
Her first year on the board was spent learning the culture and history of Stephens. Moving into her second year, Neville hopes to contribute even more through her community connections and experience in education.
“At the board level, I want to continue to ask different questions from different perspectives,” said Neville. “A lot of the board members no longer live in Columbia, so I have a different vantage point for that.”
As a high school principal, Neville also understands what many students are looking for as they consider higher education options.
“I think there are a lot of students, especially post-COVID, that need a smaller learning environment that, in addition to the academic piece, provides multiple spaces to develop leadership,” said Neville. “When I look at Stephens, I know that it’s a place that can provide those opportunities.”
Neville believes more students across Missouri should know about Stephens and the opportunities it offers.
“Stephens is an underappreciated jewel,” said Neville.
She believes the college should continue expanding its reach across Missouri.
“I want those students to see themselves here,” said Neville.
As a Columbia resident, Neville also hopes Stephens continues creating opportunities to engage with the broader community through partnerships and events that welcome residents to campus.
Building Opportunities for Students through Community Partnerships
Building partnerships has been a cornerstone of Neville’s career.
When she arrived at Douglass High School, she quickly recognized that many students had tremendous potential but lacked access to resources and opportunities.
“Our kids are very talented, but they are under-resourced,” said Neville.
That realization led to the development of partnerships with colleges, nonprofit organizations and local businesses to help students access scholarships, internships, mentorship and career exploration opportunities.
Among those partnerships is Douglass’ connection to Stephens College’s workforce development program. Through the college’s construction initiative, students have gained hands-on experience and pathways into careers after graduation.
Neville said former participants in the construction workforce program are now securing jobs in the industry after graduation.
“We’re not just here to build students,” said Neville. “We’re really here to help build competent adults.”
Leadership that Opens Doors
Throughout her career, Neville has become a strong advocate for leadership development and representation.
She believes students thrive when they feel known, valued and connected to a community.
“People need to know their name. We need to know our community,” said Neville.
That belief is one reason she feels strongly about Stephens’ mission and its ability to help students develop confidence and leadership skills.
“This is a place where we can develop women in leadership,” said Neville.
As a Black woman in education leadership, Neville understands the importance of representation and hopes students leave Stephens knowing they belong in spaces where they may not always see themselves reflected.
She recalled a moment early in her career when someone assumed her male assistant principal was the school’s leader.
Experiences like that reinforced a lesson she hopes students carry with them throughout their lives: Effective leadership comes in many forms.
“There is this need to actually understand that leadership can look different and be impactful and effective,” said Neville.
Looking Ahead
This summer, Neville will begin a new role as Columbia Public Schools’ executive director of alternative education, where she will work to expand support systems for students across the district.
The position is a natural extension of the work she has spent her career doing — helping students find opportunities, build confidence and see themselves as future leaders.
It is also the message she hopes students carry with them long after they leave Stephens.
“My hope is that they are always emboldened to realize that they are more than enough,” Neville said. “The table needs you, especially if the table does not reflect you.”
