Community & Technical College Searches

Holyoke Community College names Jessica M. Nicklin, Ph.D. as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

Holyoke Community College is pleased to announce that Jessica M. Nicklin has accepted the position of HCC provost and vice president of academic affairs.

Nicklin, Ph.D., presently serves as associate provost for faculty affairs and research and a professor of psychology at the University of Hartford, where she has worked for nearly 17 years.

“Dr. Nicklin is a respected leader in higher education and an organizational psychologist, recognized for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and dedication to student, faculty, and institutional success,” President George Timmons said in an announcement to the HCC community. “She is a proud, first-generation college graduate, and her extensive experience in academic and student affairs will be instrumental in advancing our strategic plan and enhancing HCC’s impact in our community.”

Nicklin earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany.

Soon after completing her doctorate in 2009, she received an academic appointment at the University of Hartford as assistant professor of psychology. Since then, she has risen through the academic ranks to tenured professor, while also taking on administrative responsibilities as program director, associate dean of student academic services, associate vice president for student success, assistant provost for graduate studies and research, and finally associate provost for faculty affairs and research, a position she assumed in 2023.

Her role at HCC begins July 1.

“This truly feels like the perfect opportunity,” Nicklin said. “The shared commitment to both academic and student affairs is what initially drew me to the position, and as I’ve engaged with the HCC community, I’ve been continually impressed and inspired by the unwavering focus on supporting students. I’m excited to join the institution at a moment of strategic planning and forward momentum.”

A distinguished scholar in industrial-organizational psychology, Nicklin’s research focuses on workplace motivation, the work-family interface, and positive psychology. She is a prolific writer, consultant, and frequent speaker and holds certifications in academic life coaching.

She has received numerous awards and honors recognizing her scholarship, teaching, leadership, and service. In 2018, her alma mater, SUNY Albany, recognized Nicklin with its Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time, particularly outdoors, with her family: husband Chris, sons Parker, 8, and Logan, 5, and their beloved pup, Sadie, 12.

Macomb Community College names Dr. Lori Gonko as President

On behalf of the Macomb Community College Board of Trustees, Katherine Bracey Lorenzo, chair of the board and of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, has announced the selection of Lori M. Gonko, Ed.D., currently interim president at Henry Ford College, as Macomb’s next president pending negotiation and approval of a contract. Macomb’s board of trustees anticipates considering a proposed contract at its April 15, 2026, meeting.

“Dr. Gonko has demonstrated the skills, abilities, enthusiasm and vision to lead Macomb Community College well into the future,” said Lorenzo. “She began and developed her passion for the work of community colleges here at Macomb and, eventually, that passion influenced her doctoral work in community college leadership and as an Aspen Fellow – both highly sought after credentials in a college president. Coming full circle, Dr. Gonko has come ‘home’ to lead the institution that profoundly influenced her career path. She brings a wealth of experience and perspectives that will greatly benefit the college, our students and our community.”

Gonko will assume the duties of the presidency of Macomb on July 1, 2026. She has 25 years of community college experience. Gonko joined Henry Ford College in 2012 as coordinator of Perkins before becoming coordinator of Program Improvement and Effectiveness, and then was named vice president of Strategy and Human Resources in 2018. She has served as the college’s interim president since July 2025.

Gonko began her career at Macomb Community College, where she worked from 2001 – 2012, starting as an administrative assistant before becoming a coordinator and then manager in career and technical education. Gonko serves as an adjunct professor in the Doctorate in Community College Leadership program at Ferris State University and is a graduate of the Aspen Institute’s Rising Presidents Fellowship. More detailed biographical information is available at https://www.macomb.edu/about-macomb/presidential-search.html.

The selection of Gonko as the college’s next president is the culmination of a national search that officially opened in November 2025 to identify a replacement for retiring Macomb Community College President James O. Sawyer IV. The 14-member Presidential Search Advisory Committee was comprised of representatives from the college’s board, employee groups and students, and members of community partner organizations in key industry sectors.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Illinois Central College names Dr. Jamonica Rolle as President

The Illinois Central College Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Jamonica Rolle (pronounced ‘role’) as the College’s next president following a comprehensive national search. Dr. Rolle will assume the role on July 1 and will lead ICC’s continued advancement as a regional leader in student success, workforce development, and economic vibrancy.

The Board’s decision reflects Dr. Rolle’s demonstrated ability to deliver measurable outcomes in student achievement, strengthen workforce-aligned programming, and build partnerships that support employers and communities. She will guide ICC’s next phase of strategic growth, expanding access, strengthening transfer and career pathways, and advancing the College’s impact across Central Illinois.

Dr. Rolle is a highly accomplished leader with 20 years of progressive experience across all aspects of a community college. Her strengths and qualifications clearly align with ICC’s mission and current priorities as evident in her strong commitment to student success, workforce development, and community impact. Her proven ability as a collaborative, innovative leader will also guide the College into its next era of excellence and community service. The Board looks forward to partnering with Dr. Rolle in supporting and advancing ICC’s vision and mission.

Cindy Byrd, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Dr. Rolle serves as College Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and College Operations at Broward College, where she leads the academic and operational strategy of an institution serving 52,000 students and 1,100 faculty members. With more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience, she has served as Campus President, Vice Provost, and Dean. Her work has advanced student retention initiatives, developmental education reform, and strategic partnerships that support local and state economic development. She has also championed innovation in teaching and learning through the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and extended reality, across academic programs. Dr. Rolle holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Florida.

“I am truly honored and excited to serve as Illinois Central College’s sixth president, and I extend my sincere gratitude to the Board of Trustees, the search committee, and the entire ICC community for this opportunity to serve. ICC is a thriving college with deep community roots and a proud record of student success. I look forward to working alongside faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance student learning, expand life outcomes, and continue driving innovation and opportunity throughout the region,” said Dr. Rolle.

The presidential search included a national recruitment effort and engagement with campus and community stakeholders. Feedback from faculty, staff, students, and community members informed the Board’s final decision.

Illinois Central College serves as a critical driver of educational attainment, workforce readiness, and economic vitality across Central Illinois. Under Dr. Rolle’s leadership, ICC will continue to build on its strong foundation and deliver expanded opportunity and measurable outcomes for the students and communities it serves.