Provost VPAA Placement

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.

North Shore Community College Names Dr. Jennifer Mezquita as Their First Provost

Dr. Jennifer Mezquita has been selected to be North Shore Community College’s first Provost.

NSCC President Dr. William Heineman chose to create the Provost position after extensive discussion with faculty and staff at the college. A Provost has responsibility for both academic and student affairs, and is designed to provide more integrated, comprehensive and seamless services to students.

Dr. Mezquita currently serves as the Vice President of Student Affairs at Northern Essex Community College (NECC) where she provides leadership and oversight of the programs, functions and services for Enrollment Services, PK12 Partnerships, Student Development, Registrar, Student Affairs Business Systems, and Compliance.

Prior to joining Northern Essex, Dr. Mezquita worked at College of the Desert Foundation, Valencia College Foundation, Valencia College and the University of Central Florida (UCF) where she held leadership roles within alumni relations, student development, enrollment services, Federal TRIO Programs and also served as an adjunct instructor.

During her undergraduate college years, Dr. Mezquita was introduced to the higher education profession. She developed a passion for breaking the barriers of access into higher education for underrepresented and underserved populations which led her to pursue her career in higher education. She believes in access to higher education with equal outcomes for all. “Education completely changed my life and I am committed to serving as the vehicle for others to reach their educational and career goals,” she said.

Dr. Mezquita is a proud first-generation graduate of Valencia (Community) College, the University of Florida, and the University of Central Florida where she earned her Associate of Arts degree, Bachelor’s degree in Food and Resource Economics, Master’s degree in Educational Leadership: Student Personnel Administration and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership: Higher Education and Policy Studies.

“I am excited Dr. Mezquita will join us at NSCC as she is a team builder who knows how to catalyze the talents and passions of the people around her to create a whole that is far greater than the sum of its parts. I eagerly anticipate the improvements in the NSCC student experience she will help us develop together,” said President Heineman.

“I am energized by North Shore’s spirit of excellence and vision to serve as “a beacon of hope and opportunity” for the community it serves,” said Dr. Mezquita. “I look forward to working alongside our NSCC faculty and staff to continue to cultivate a student-centered environment which focuses on access, equity, and student success.”

Dr. Mezquita will begin at NSCC on June 6, 2022.

California State University, Stanislaus Names Richard Ogle as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Richard Ogle has served in a variety of higher education teaching and administrative roles for many years on the Eastern Seaboard, but the new provost and vice president for academic affairs at Stanislaus State, announced Wednesday, will have reason to feel at home in the Central Valley.

It’s not just that Ogle grew up in Southern California. He is a first-generation high school and college graduate and will serve a student population at Stan State that is nearly 75-percent first generation.

“That is a connection that cannot be overstated,” said Stan State President Ellen Junn. “We are proud to be a University that serves predominately first-generation students, and Dr. Ogle has first-hand knowledge of that experience.”

Ogle’s most recent professional experience is as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). In 15 years at that university, Ogle also served as senior associate provost for Academic Affairs, chief enrollment management officer overseeing Admissions, Registrar and Financial Aid, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Psychology Department chair, clinical training coordinator and Psychology Department graduate coordinator.

“Dr. Ogle brings a wealth of diverse and significant expertise and achievements with him,” Junn said. “He is known for his enthusiasm, energy and collaborative style. We anxiously await his arrival on June 15.”

Ogle replaces Kimberly Greer, who is leaving to become interim provost at California State University, East Bay after serving as Stan State provost for four and a half years.

Ogle earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Point Loma Nazarene University, his Master of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University and his Doctorate in Psychology from the University of New Mexico.

He completed his clinical internship and post-doctoral training at the Veteran’s Administration Health Care System of Puget Sound Seattle Division.

Ogle has worked in higher education for nearly 20 years, where he has established a collaborative and creative management style.

Ogle is an award-winning teacher and has been recognized for his skill in the classroom and as a mentor. He has published more than 25 peer-reviewed articles in his discipline in the field of substance abuse and the role of alcohol and other drugs in the perpetration of various forms of aggression/violence.

He is a licensed psychologist/health services provider and a clinical trainer/consultant. In addition, he has served in leadership positions on state and local boards leading him to be interdisciplinary by nature and to have broad and deep experience in advocacy, strategic planning and change management.

“We are excited to have Dr. Ogle join the Warrior team,” Junn said. “Our search committee is to be congratulated for its work in identifying exemplary candidates and arranging for the campus community to meet with them and provide feedback.”