U of I graduate takes on leadership role after being a resident assistant

From his early interest in political science to an unexpected turn toward higher education leadership, Erik Elordi’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing new opportunities and trusting the process. Staying connected to his roots and remaining open to change ultimately led him back to University of Idaho, where he now plays a key role in shaping its future as the assistant vice president of campus services.

Elordi, who grew up in Caldwell, was drawn to U of I not just for its affordability but also for the dynamic campus atmosphere.

“When I visited as a senior in high school there were a lot of interesting things happening on campus — the Idaho Commons had just opened, there was just a lot of excitement about what was happening at the University of Idaho,” he said.

He began his studies at U of I with a double major in political science and psychology, eventually narrowing his focus solely to political science.

Although Elordi initially envisioned a career in government or law, his path took a turn when he participated in an internship with former U.S. Rep. C.L. “Butch” Otter. While Elordi’s political science studies focused on government and law, his duties under Otter involved interacting with constituents on a day-to-day basis which made him realize that his passion for public service could be applied in different ways.

“I had always felt a calling to a higher mission of service and ultimately wanted to do work that would have a big impact in people’s lives,” Elordi said. “That internship really solidified my passion for public service.”

However, it also prompted him to reflect on how he could make that impact in a more direct, personal way.

That fall, he became a resident assistant (RA) through Housing and Residence Life at U of I. While working as an RA, Elordi discovered a new passion: student affairs.

“Being an RA gave me the opportunity to support students and connect students with resources to help them be successful,” he said. “When I first came to the University of Idaho as a freshman, I didn’t know what an RA was, I didn’t know that you could have a career in higher education. Now, here I am, almost 25 years later, and that’s what I built my career on.”

Elordi’s attendance at a regional housing conference during his senior year connected him with his first full-time role in student affairs at Oregon State University after graduating in 2004. From there, his career flourished, with Elordi taking on leadership positions at multiple institutions. He eventually transitioned into higher education management and consulting, where he worked with universities nationwide.

However, something kept drawing Elordi back to U of I. He watched the university during the COVID-19 pandemic and admired how university leaders navigated the challenging time with resilience and flexibility. While not actively seeking a new job, when Elordi saw an opening for a leadership role at U of I he knew that returning to the university was the right move.

“U of I was the only institution in Idaho I would consider,” he said.

In August 2021, Elordi returned to Moscow. As part of Auxiliary Services, Elordi works with Housing and Residence Life, Idaho Eats, campus mail, campus operator and supervises multi-use facilities including the ISUB, PF1CU Kibbie Dome and ICCU Arena as the assistant vice president of Campus Services. His leadership has been instrumental in the ongoing $135 million housing revitalization project, aimed at improving student living spaces and experiences. He also played a crucial role in transforming dining services, including the introduction of 24/7 meal access and expanded vending options.

Reflecting on his career journey, Elordi emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind when it comes to a career path.

“Never self-reject. Don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities, even if they don’t fit your original plan,” he said.

For current students trying to figure out their career plans, Elordi’s advice is clear: “Embrace failure as part of the growth process. College is the safest place to experiment, fail, and learn from those experiences. Stay open to new opportunities and trust that your path will unfold as it’s meant to.”

Today, Elordi is excited about the future of U of I and his role in shaping the university’s continued growth.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, and how that’s impacted every aspect of our campus operations” he said. “It’s an honor to build a long-lasting legacy that will benefit the institution for generations to come.”