Erica Preuss: Always there, always ready to serve

For Erica Preuss HR isn’t just her profession, it's how she chooses to serve our country as a human resources sergeant in the Army Reserves. 

Preuss joined the University of Alaska as the Executive Assistant to Chief Human Resources Officer Steve Patin on January 6, 2020. In this position she assists Patin in all aspects of HR administration and operation of the UA system. She also serves as liaison between the CHRO and their direct reports, as well as the offices of the president, board of regents, general counsel and other statewide university administrators. 

Before working for UA, she was an HR intern for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Municipal Center in her hometown. She also has a love for fitness and has been a group fitness instructor at various locations since August 2017. 

“What I like about the university is the involvement from the students and community members,” said Preuss. “It is nice to see so many people be active and show a great sense of pride in the University of Alaska. The staff at UA make this working experience very enjoyable. They are very inclusive and respectful of one another.”

She also enjoys the variety of duties she has an executive assistant. “It’s always something new and it’s such a great feeling knowing that I get to make an impact at the university by assisting CHRO Patin.”

Preuss joined her  husband this year in Alaska. Prior to his current duty station, he was stationed in South Korea. They both grew up in Wisconsin and married in Alaska late last year.   She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in management from the University of Wisconsin River Falls. 

“My biggest accomplishment so far would be graduating with my bachelor’s degree in 3 years as Summa Cum Laude,” said Preuss.