A graduate of Joliet Public Schools and Joliet Township High Schools, Erick participated in choir, theatre, and played trombone in Joliet Central’s historic, band program. Erick received his Bachelor’s in Theatre Arts from Millikin University and a Master’s in Performing Arts Administration from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. He currently serves as the Director of Community Organizing for Arts Alliance Illinois, the state's only multi-disciplinary arts advocacy organization. 

Erick has worked in the arts sector as a performer, producer, staff member, board member, and educator. Alongside his work at arts organizations, he served in Chicago Public Schools at the central office and at a local network of 30+ schools. Since 2021, Dorris has serves as president of the board at Joliet Public Schools District #86. He has served on the school board since 2017. 

Dorris is Vice-Chair of the Joliet Arts Commission, the city's Local Arts Agency. He also sits on the boards of the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 and The Joliet Township High Schools Foundation.