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.
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.
