Media (Madea) Erickson

Madea Erickson serves as the Grants and Contracts Specialist for the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, where she oversees the financial, administrative, and policy components of all external state funded grants and contracts. Her work supports programs that serve both the College of Social Work and communities across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In this role, she ensures compliance, accountability, and stewardship of resources that directly impact lives through education and service.
Madea’s commitment to helping others began more than a decade ago through her organization, Madea Faith Freedom from Addiction, where she offered guidance, advocacy, and hope to individuals navigating recovery. This foundational work shaped her lifelong dedication to empowering others through compassion, structure, and opportunity. Her passion continued to grow as she began working with students in higher education, where she witnessed firsthand how personal, financial, and systemic challenges could become barriers to degree completion.
Recognizing the transformative power of education in personal growth and long-term success, Madea pursued and earned a Master’s degree in Human Development and Leadership from Murray State University. She launched her higher education career in the federally funded National TRIO Student Support Services program, serving as an academic counselor and program coordinator at both Murray State University and later the University of Southern Indiana.
After relocating to Lexington, Madea was appointed Director of the Veteran Center of Excellence and Wellness at Bluegrass Community and Technical College department. There, she developed, implemented, and oversaw a new federal grant dedicated to veteran student support across multiple campuses. It was during this experience Madea discovered her professional passion for securing, managing, and monitoring grant funding creating programs that open doors, remove barriers, and make a tangible difference in students’ lives.
Through every role she has held, Madea brings a deep sense of purpose, integrity, and compassion to her work, guided by the belief that well-managed resources can create lasting impact for individuals, families, and communities.