Dallas Institute of Funeral Service recently appointed Erin M. Wilson, CFSP, as the first female president in its 115-year history. This appointment not only marks a significant milestone for the college but also serves as a poignant reflection of the evolving landscape within the funeral service profession and academia.

A graduate of the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, Wilson brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for both funeral service and academia to her new role. She holds a master’s degree in human relations and business, a master’s certification in executive leadership and the Certified Funeral Service Professional designation.

As a licensed funeral director and embalmer, Wilson’s expertise in the funeral service profession is undeniable, but her journey has been far from conventional. Before entering the profession, she pursued a career in education. It was after her time in mortuary college, however, that she discovered a way to merge her two passions, ultimately leading her back to academia.

She began teaching for Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 2019 while still maintaining an active role within the profession. Her dedication and expertise saw her rise through the ranks, culminating in her appointment as the institute’s academic dean in 2021 and, additionally, as program director in 2022.

Under her leadership, Dallas Institute has experienced significant growth and improvement. With a focus on enhancing program quality and student success, Wilson and her team have achieved notable advancements in student retention, graduation rates and national board exam scores. dallasinstitute.edu