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.

New Mexico Highlands University names Dr. Dann Brown as Provost

Dr. Brown brings 20 years of higher education administration experience to NMHU

New Mexico Highlands University is excited to announce the hiring of Dr. Dann Brown as its new Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Brown will begin his term on June 30.

Dr. Brown is an experienced higher education administrator with nearly 20 years serving in virtually every facet of academic administration on regional comprehensive, doctoral-granting, and Emerging Research University campuses in New Mexico and Texas.

“I’m looking forward to coming to New Mexico Highlands and working with an exceptional faculty, staff, and student body,” Brown said. “Everyone I’ve met has been so helpful, and I have no doubt we can achieve great things at New Mexico Highlands University.”

Dr. Brown earned his Ph.D. in plant pathology from Oklahoma State University and MS/BS in biology from Pittsburg State University. He began his faculty career at Eastern New Mexico University, where he taught biology and agriculture, launched new degree programs, and served as coordinator of Freshman Studies. Dann has worked at three Hispanic-serving institutions and authored, received, and directed over $23 million in U.S. Department of Education Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions grants.

NMHU President Neil Woolf said, “The experience Dr. Brown brings to NMHU will serve our institution well as we pursue innovative and transformational change initiatives. Dann has a track record of implementing transformational change initiatives and a wealth of experience across higher education. We’re excited for his arrival.”

Dr. Brown and his wife, Lisa, enjoy campus seminars, presentations, performances, and athletic competitions, and are active in their community. Their son, Michael, is interested in continuing his education in the allied health sciences. They also enjoy the outdoors, movies, books, and their two highly spirited pugs, Gracie and Angie.

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.