Nathan Erickson

Before joining Augsburg, Nathan Erickson was an Associate Professor of Sociology at Doane University for 13 year where his primary teaching emphasis was in Criminology.  In addition to Criminology classes, he enjoys teaching courses as diverse as the Sociology of Sports, Complex Organizations, Social Theory, as well as The Sociology of Film as part of Doane’s Honors Program. 

In 2023, Nathan was awarded Doane’s Ardis Butler James Fellowship which gave him the opportunity to bring six Doane students to study the prison philosophies of Norway, Louisiana, North Dakota and Nebraska. Student work from that experience was featured as a conference presentation at the 2025 Pacific Sociological Society titled Learning by Writing: What students can gain from a Qualitative Research Experience Abroad. 

In addition to the 2023 trip to Norway, Nathan brought students to Norway and other parts of Scandinavia on three other short term study abroad trips. On these adventures, students visited a prison, had cross-cultural exchanges with 3rd graders, met with refugees in political asylum, and had an immersive “friluftsliv” (fresh air life) experience hiking and kayaking the Naeroyfjord in Western Norway.

Nathan’s interest in Norway began as a student here at Augsburg (College)! In addition to graduating from Augsburg’s award winning sociology department, Nathan took several courses in Norwegian and traveled to Norway on three short trips as an undergraduate. Coming back to Augsburg University has been an exciting, full-circle experience to say the least!

Nathan is also an avid and sometimes even pretty good tennis player. He was the Varsity Head Coach for Crete High School Girls Tennis Team and an Assistant Coach for the boys. He continues to volunteer coach the Pine City tennis team during the summer and can often be found coaching his kids’ elementary basketball teams during the winter. 

Education

• B.A. Augsburg University
• M.A. University of Oregon
• Ph.D. University of Oregon