Dr. Eric Waters, B.B.A.'98
When Eric Waters first enrolled as a student at Western Michigan University in 1994, he described himself as shy and timid. Now an assistant professor at Marquette University with a Ph.D. in organizational communication and technology, he credits his time at WMU for building the foundation for his communication expertise.
Waters says his goal when he entered college was to enhance his interpersonal skills. He wanted to challenge himself to connect with people, so he joined Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and the Young Black Male Support Network, eventually obtaining leadership positions in each.
“My time at the Haworth College of Business gave me countless opportunities to learn and experience the power of networking and relationship building in a business setting,” says Waters. “I was able to use these skills to get my first job at Chrysler. Additionally, my time at WMU gave me a tremendous foundation to pursue my graduate degrees.”
Tony Dennis, former undergraduate recruiter and current director of graduate student recruitment and retention at WMU, says Waters was destined for great things from the moment they met. “I first met Eric at Detroit Mumford High School. After only speaking to him for a few moments, you could see his promising potential. I recommended that he compete for a full-tuition scholarship, which he received. Like any student who enrolls, we were excited to help take Eric to a place he had never been before.”
As a faculty member at Marquette, Waters serves as a leader on campus and in the community. He is conducting insightful research on how policy is developed regarding cyberbullying and how it affects various stakeholders. He is very involved within the community, serving as a mentor to students in the Milwaukee public school district. On campus, Waters is an academic and career advisor to an additional 50 students.
Waters offers communication advice to WMU students that has helped many of his mentees over the years. “Network, network, network; learn how to go into a room and work it and own it. The worst thing you can do is keep your potential to yourself. Relationships are going to be built on the ability to engage with a person, find out what their needs are and show that person how you can fulfill those needs.”