Vice President Academic Affairs 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.

Northwest Vista College names Dr. Sara Lozano as Vice President for Academic Success

SAN ANTONIO – Northwest Vista College (NVC) welcomes Dr. Sara Lozano as its new Vice President for Academic Success. Dr. Lozano brings 20 years of experience in higher education, most recently serving as Dean of the Division of Business, Public Safety, and Technology at South Texas College in McAllen, Texas.

Dr. Lozano’s expertise in assessment of learning outcomes, scheduling, and workforce development aligns perfectly with NVC’s strategic focus on student achievement and career readiness. We are excited to have her leadership as we grow our programs, expand our partnerships, and create more student success pathways,” said Northwest Vista College President Dr. Amy Bosley.

In her previous role as a Dean at South Texas College, Dr. Lozano led 20 academic and workforce programs, aligned them with industry standards and enhanced academic transfer opportunities. Her focus was on promoting initiatives that meet both community and workforce needs. Her accomplishments at South Texas College include launching new programs in surveying, cosmetology, and architecture. Also last year, her leadership culminated in the approval of a police academy license through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, elevating the training for students. She also spearheaded capital improvement projects to update campus facilities across several of their campuses. Before this role, Dr. Lozano served as Department Chair for the Architectural and Engineering Design Technology Program and as a faculty member.

Now, as NVC’s Vice President for Academic Success, she will oversee programs for more than 20,000 students.

“I am honored to join Northwest Vista College and work alongside dedicated faculty, staff, and students. I am committed to ensuring they have the resources and support they need to achieve their academic and professional goals,” said Dr. Lozano.

“I stand ready to foster and cultivate an environment of success, support, and love of learning for our entire Northwest Vista College community,” she added.

Dr. Lozano has also served on state and national advisory boards, securing significant grant funding for workforce development and championing the integration of cutting-edge technologies. Among the newest developments at NVC, she will provide leadership for the Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree in Cloud Computing, and a planned School of Emerging Technologies.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Yale University, a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Adams State University, and a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.

About Northwest Vista College

Northwest Vista College (NVC), part of the Alamo Colleges District, is federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), an institution of higher learning with a full-time equivalent undergraduate student enrollment that is at least 25% Hispanic. As of Fall 2023, NVC’s Hispanic student enrollment is 66.2%. The college opened in 1995 with 12 students and has grown to one of the largest institutions of higher education in San Antonio and the region with current enrollment over 20,000 students. Located in Westover Hills, NVC’s expanding agreements with business and higher education partnerships provide a wealth of opportunities for students and the community.

Portland Community College names Dr. Jennifer Ernst as Vice President of Academic Affairs

Portland Community College announced that it has chosen Dr. Jennifer Ernst as its new Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA), effective Sept. 1. Dr. Ernst is currently the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services at Yakima Valley College.

As the college’s VPAA, Dr. Ernst will serve as the Chief Academic Officer and Accreditation Liaison Officer for PCC. She will provide strategic leadership for the development and implementation of educational programs, curriculum planning, including online learning, workforce development and continuing education. She will also oversee instructional support across PCC’s multi-campus system. The VP of Academic Affairs leads the comprehensive assessment program to ensure alignment with the college’s mission, values, and strategic plan, and serves as the Accreditation Liaison Officer with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Dr. Ernst replaces Dr. Katy Ho, who has become PCC’s Executive Vice President.

“I am delighted to join the team that is guiding Portland Community College through its 21st Century transformation,” said Dr. Ernst. “I look forward to building amazing learning opportunities for our Portland community in collaboration with our K-12 and industry partners and focusing on equitable student success for all PCC students.”

Dr. Ernst brings over 20 years of experience in teaching and leadership in higher education, coupled with a commitment to student empowerment. Her career began as an adjunct instructor at various institutions before she joined the tenure track at Henry Ford College. There, she served as a union leader on the AFT local executive board, department chair for English and Speech, and eventually became the inaugural Dean of the School of Liberal Arts following a major college reorganization.

At Yakima Valley College, Dr. Ernst has been instrumental in leading the Guided Pathways transformation, as well as overseeing strategic enrollment management, and equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Her work has focused on fostering equitable student success through inclusive pedagogy and a pathways-based care team approach. She has successfully expanded partnerships with K-12 districts, local employers, and higher education institutions.

Notably, she facilitated a groundbreaking articulation agreement with Pacific Northwest University School of Dental Medicine, enabling students to enter the dental school with an associate’s degree without needing a bachelor’s degree. Her efforts have also secured millions of dollars in state and federal grants to support student success.

Dr. Ernst serves on the Instruction Commission for the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges and was recently elected as a Steering Team member for the commission. She is also a representative on the review team for state bachelor’s program authorization and Strategic Technology Advisory Committee.

A first-generation college student, Dr. Ernst completed her transfer studies at Glendale Community College in Arizona, earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, her graduate degree from Duquesne University, and her Doctorate of Education in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University.