Next Up Columbus 2025: Erica Noll Crawford
Name: Erica Noll Crawford
Age: 32
Profession: Director of Online Engagement, Miami Online at Miami University
Neighborhood: Obetz (South Side of Columbus)
Education: B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies, Capital University | M.Ed. Higher Education Administration & Student Personnel, Kent State University | Soon to be Ed.D. Educational Leadership, Miami University
Community Involvement: Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor, training over 300 individuals to recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges. Actively supports the Franklin County Animal Shelter through donations and gives regular contributions to local blessing boxes. Passionate about creating healthier, more compassionate communities.
Motto: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This is my favorite quote because it’s not enough to simply point out flaws in the world around us. Instead, we must actively make the changes and improvements we want to see. If we won’t do it, who will?
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Erica Noll Crawford may have grown up in small-town Ohio (shout out to East Knox!), but her journey has been anything but small. After a tearful first few nights adjusting to life at Capital University, she found her people, her purpose, and her passion for higher education. From welcoming new students as an orientation co-director to mentoring rural youth in the Scholars Program, Erica’s mission has always been about helping others feel seen and supported. Now as the Director of Online Engagement for Miami Online, she’s ensuring that students – no matter where they log in from – feel just as connected and capable as she once hoped to be. Columbus still holds her heart, and her work reflects her belief that everyone deserves to feel like they belong.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
I am passionate about what I do. I truly believe that education has the power to change lives, and I love being a part of that!
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
The best advice I ever got was “At this point, it’s probably too late to try to fix your weaknesses. Instead, double down on your strengths.” There will be some things that won’t be your forte- that’s okay! Find people who can balance out your strengths and weaknesses. We all go further together!
A special shout-out to some professional mentors who 100% helped get me to where I am today: Deanna Wagner, Wendy Pfrenger, Erica Eckert, Robyn Brown, and Moira Casey. Thanks for being incredibly smart, passionate, and strong women—each of you inspired me to trust myself and follow my passions.
I also want to give a special shout-out to my dad, Mike Noll, who unfortunately passed away about two years ago. He was my number one role model, and I will forever be grateful for the work ethic and humor I inherited from him. Work like a captain, play like a pirate!
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
Someplace with water! Whether it’s going to Zoombezi Bay and floating down the lazy river, looking out over the Scioto River, or visiting the Groveport pool, water has always been incredibly calming to me.
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
Hounddogs for the best pizza you’ve ever had! I also love the Columbus Zoo and COSI.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
A teacher. And while at some point I realized I could not stand being “stuck in a classroom” all day, I did end up still working in education! So I had the right idea, just wrong venue.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
I like the podcast Science Versus, which provides factual information in a fun way to help debunk myths or answer current questions.
For books, I am a sucker for the thrillers. Anything by Frieda McFadden right now is my go-to!
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
I am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity! I think I cried when I got the email, I was so excited. I am grateful to be recognized for my work and passions, especially in a city with so many incredibly talented young professionals!
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
It is home. It doesn’t matter what you are looking for, Columbus has a home for you. The city is constantly growing, changing, and adapting, and I feel it allows people to do the same.
The Next Up Columbus Awards, presented annually by the Columbus Young Professionals Club, recognize emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact across Central Ohio. These honorees are innovators, connectors, and community champions helping to shape a brighter future for Columbus. Meet the entire Class of 2025 »