As we embrace Bake for Family Fun Month, we’re thrilled to shine our Baker’s Spotlight on Dr. Carol Erwin, a professor who trains future Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teachers. Dr. Erwin’s journey is one of inspiration, filled with rich memories, a love for baking, and a passion for teaching life skills. Her story highlights the profound impact of baking on her personal and professional life, offering valuable lessons for educators and community leaders alike.
Dr. Erwin’s earliest baking memories are heartwarming and relatable. As a young child, she stood on an open drawer edge to frost cakes, learning the basics from her mom and grandma. Baking was a family affair, with her favorite treats ranging from kolaches to cream puffs and her grandmother’s angel food cake topped with pink seven-minute cooked frosting.
One of her standout memories was her quest at eight years old to find the perfect brownie recipe. Her first attempt won top prize in the baking competition at her local county fair, but the time and effort to prepare the recipe was too much for her at that age, so she scoured her mother’s cookbook collection for inspiration. After much trial and error—and countless batches—she discovered her ideal recipe, one she continues to bake all these years later. This early experience not only honed her baking skills but also instilled a sense of accomplishment and pride. “Good brownies are timeless,” she reflects with a smile.
About these photos: Dr. Erwin remembers saving Gold Medal Flour “proof of purchases” to buy her first cookbook of her own, Alpha Bakery Children’s Cookbook. Every Saturday she’d pick a recipe to try and make.
Despite her love for baking, Dr. Erwin initially pursued a degree in Dietetics. After a few semesters and delving deeper into chemistry, she began to sense that working only in nutrition was too limiting for her. She credits her friend, Jennifer Kappel, for recognizing her natural talent for FCS Education and encouraging her to change her major. Once she immersed herself in FCS courses, she discovered a passion for teaching students life skills that empower them for independence and success.
Dr. Erwin’s journey wasn’t without challenges. “I’ve always been afraid of public speaking,” she admits. Yet, her dedication to the meaningful content and the students she taught helped her overcome this fear, proving that passion can outweigh initial hesitation.
Living a life with diverse experiences—from babysitting and retail to teaching various FCS topics in rural schools—helped Dr. Erwin explore the vast opportunities within the field. She earned Master’s degree and later an Ed.D. focused on professional development for FCS teachers. Since 2012, she has been preparing future educators at Wayne State College, a role she finds deeply fulfilling.
“FCS classes enrich lives,” she says. “They help students function better in their own
lives while also positively impacting those around them.”
Dr. Erwin is passionate about guiding future educators and encourages her students to identify their strengths by exploring the many disciplines within FCS. She highlights the value of hands-on experiences, such as part-time jobs and internships across various content areas, as these opportunities help students discover their passions and build confidence. Whether it’s working in a daycare, leading a 4-H group, or lifeguarding, these roles enable aspiring educators to develop practical skills, determine the age groups they enjoy working with, and find their unique place within the diverse field of FCS.
“How Could I Live and Not Bake?”
To this day, baking is at the core of Dr. Erwin’s life. “How could I live and not bake?” she says, encapsulating her philosophy with a favorite t-shirt that reads: “All you need is cookies and love.” For her, baking is more than just an activity; it’s a creative outlet, a source of stress relief, and a way to show love to her family. From cookies and cakes to fresh-baked bread, Dr. Erwin’s kitchen is always filled with the aroma of something delicious.
Her four children have embraced her passion for baking, each becoming skilled bakers in their own right. Active participants in 4-H, they’ve earned numerous top ribbons and awards for their baked goods at fairs. Dr. Erwin recalls a memorable moment when her 14-year-old son was preparing entries for the state fair. Late at night, he realized they were out of eggs and traded a freshly baked lemon-blueberry scone with a friend to borrow more. It’s moments like these that highlight how baking has become a family tradition and a source of connection.
About these photos: Several of Dr. Erwin’s children baking and posing with their county fair awards.
Dr. Erwin also shares her passion for baking with the community. She has taught lessons on measuring and baking to 4-H clubs, libraries, and even hosted Zoom cookie-decorating classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences resonate deeply with participants, who often share photos and stories of their baking successes. “Baking is love made visible,” she says, a sentiment reflected in her teaching and her life.
About these photos: These are Dr. Erwin’s students in action – cookies, cakes and so much more!
Reflection and Gratitude for a Life in Family and Consumer Sciences
Looking back, Dr. Erwin doesn’t believe there is anything she would have changed about her career path. Her journey from an enthusiastic young baker to a professor has been shaped by curiosity, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a drive to make a difference. “Each experience has taught me more about life and myself,” she says. “I jump at every opportunity to explore professional development, and I’ve gotten involved in several professional organizations.” She continues, “It was a dream come true to have the Home Baking Association at Wayne State College this past fall to deliver a full day’s worth of professional development and the curriculum to Nebraska FCS teachers! Sharon Davis (HBA Educational consultant) delivers some of the best professional development I’ve ever had. She is always very detailed in her explanations and gives hands-on experiences that we could take straight back to our classrooms and use.”
As she continues to inspire future FCS professionals, Dr. Erwin remains a shining example of the power of baking to teach, connect, and bring joy. Her story reminds us all to celebrate the simple pleasures of baking and the profound ways it can enrich our lives and communities.
Have you been inspired by Dr Erwin? This Bake for Family Fun Month, take a cue from Dr. Erwin and share the joy of baking with those around you. Whether it’s trying a new recipe, hosting a baking class, or simply enjoying homemade cookies with loved ones, remember: “All you need is cookies and love!”
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