Meet the Team: Eriq Acosta, Cultures & Societies Instructional Specialist

Eriq Acosta is our cultures & societies instructor, and his disparate heritage alone enhances his qualifications for the job. Eriq acquired his Navajo, Pueblo and Chicano origins from his mother’s side of the family, along with Comanche and Mexican blood from his father’s side.

He has lived and worked in both Los Angeles and New Mexico. In LA, he worked for the United American Indian Involvement as the lead evaluator for the program. He also taught traditional American Indian drum co-created the Los Angeles Native Youth Leadership Journey.

In New Mexico, Eriq led a variety of outdoor education field experiences for the National Indian Youth Leadership Project. Those adventures with young people included rock climbing, backpacking, canoeing and rafting. Most recently, he worked at Colorado State University as the assistant director of El Centro, a cultural center for CSU’s Latino, Hispanic, Mexican and Chicano students.

Here are some more interesting facts about Eriq, who joined the Eagle Rock School & Professional Development Center community in the fall of 2015:

Eagle Rock School: What did you do prior to coming to work for Eagle Rock?

Eriq Acosta: I taught college students at Colorado State University and was assistant director for one of the cultural centers there (El Centro). Most recently, I trained and mentored youth at Colorado State University. As the assistant director, I was responsible for the recruitment and retention of Latino youth at CSU.

ER: What year did you graduate from college and what was your major?

Eriq: I earned my bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University where I majored in anthropology and minored in geology. I received my master’s degree in nonprofit management from Regis University. While at CSU, I was elected vice president and president of the Native American Student organization.

ER: What attracted you to Eagle Rock?

Eriq: Three things: Teaching, location and flexibility. Also, I just really love working with youth.

ER: When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Eriq: I like outdoor recreation, art and working and driving cars. I have a passion for building Ford Mustangs.

ER: What reality TV should you be on and why would you win or be kicked off?

Eriq: I don’t watch that stuff! But I do like zombies and I’d love to be on the Walking Dead!

ER: What’s your all-time favorite Eagle Rock success story?

Eriq: Seeing the students wearing their cap and gown at the end of the trimester!

ER: What’s one thing not many people know about you?

Eriq: I love to sing.