Academic Background

Ervin earned a B.A. in Sociology with a Certificate in Educational Policy Studies and an M.S. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (Global Higher Education concentration) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a renowned research university. Thereafter, he obtained a Paralegal Certificate. Academia cultivated his competencies in critical reasoning, analytical writing, comparative analysis, instructional pedagogy, and assessment. He is passionate toward promoting education globalization, fostering cultural diversity, and supporting the African diaspora.

Professional Experience

Ervin has obtained over 10 years of experience in U.S. higher education, including expertise college admissions and application review, international student recruitment, and immigration compliance. Ervin is a former Admissions Counselor, International Student Recruiter, and International Student Organization Advisor. As a Designated School Official on a university campus, Ervin advised new and returning international students on various matters including international student services, visa regulations, and student involvement. Additionally, Ervin was instrumental in creating an international student ambassador program at his former university employer. The first two student ambassadors were from Africa. International students have come to see Ervin as an educator, a trusted advisor, an advocate, a friend, and a cultural enthusiast.

Strategy

Ervin has developed a keen eye for scrutinizing application requirements and materials and has an advanced understanding of holistic admissions review. No two applicants are exactly identical, and Ervin can identify opportunities to remove barriers during the application process, saving clients valuable resources. He recognizes the shift in priorities when evaluating readiness versus competitiveness for college admission, and he made the final decision on thousands of high-quality applications for domestic and international entry for a selective university. Consequently, Ervin has acquired the mental dexterity necessary to advise clients through numerous rounds of application submission, foresee potential rulings, and conduct alternative planning. He serves clients through a learning-centered and strengths-based approach, focusing on meeting critical benchmarks.

Personal Details

Ervin's heart and mind intersect with two desires: to serve others and to immerse himself in cross-cultural experiences. With a musician's ear and a traveler's curiosity, Ervin spent a decade exploring traditional Chinese musical instruments and performed with the Canadian Youth Chinese Orchestra in China. Ervin is native to North America, is Afro-American, and a member of the African diaspora. Ervin believes in pan-African unity and a concerted engagement with the African diaspora across national borders. He holds a valid passport and has traveled to multiple countries. During his leisure time, he enjoys reading, musical instruments, cultural festivals, and networking.

Honors and Awards

Ervin is a recipient of a 2024 Rising Star Award by the Professional Association of Young Africans. Umoja Education Consulting has been featured on ABS AfricaTV televised news program.

Ervin Anderson

Founder & Consultant