UNO Transition

“It is my pleasure to play a role in transitioning the University of New Orleans to a new era. I am honored to have been chosen by Dr. Jim Henderson and the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors to conduct a broad institutional review and produce an assessment that will be helpful in generally understanding the state of UNO through the lens of an outsider. To be effective in my efforts, I will tap into my knowledge as a senior-level administrator at a fellow UL System institution along with my wealth of experiences with system initiatives to provide information that will aid the new UNO leadership. I do not proclaim to be an across-the-board higher education expert. However, I am soundly adept with tasks that require management, leadership, and compliance. Furthermore, my professional expertise as a student affairs practitioner centralizes my understanding of what is a successful collegiate experience for students. As I complete this work at UNO, it will likely involve collaboration with colleagues who have expertise in other facets of higher education. I look forward to meeting many of you in the UNO community, experiencing the campus culture, and learning more about how the campus is significantly impacting the lives of its students.”

-Dr. Kedrick A. Nicholas

Dr. Nicholas’s Bio

Dr. Kedrick Nicholas is originally from New Orleans, LA. He has bachelor's and master’s degrees from McNeese State University and completed his doctoral work at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dr. Nicholas has been employed at McNeese State University for 18 years. He has served in several capacities within the division of student affairs and presently serves as Dean of Student Affairs overseeing all student affairs departments and functional areas at the university. He is also the university's Title IX compliance administrator, which holds him responsible for prevention initiatives, campuswide awareness, and response to acts of sex-based discrimination, sexual misconduct and power-based violence. Dr. Nicholas has held leadership positions in multiple student affairs professional associations and has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his professional career. He has presented at state, regional, and national conferences during his professional career and has facilitated training and workshops at higher ed institutions throughout Louisiana and east Texas. Dr. Nicholas is an alumnus of the University of Louisiana System Management and Leadership Institute, in which he was a member of the inaugural class.

Key Objectives of Review

The following is an evolving list of objectives guiding the transition efforts:

Objective 1: Examine UNO holistically to define elements requiring further exploration.

Objective 2: Understand the state of UNO according to the perceptions of students and employees.

Objective 3: Identify glaring challenges that may be impeding the university’s ability to reach its full potential.

Objective 4: Determine opportunities for improving the UNO student and employee experience.

Objective 5: Produce recommendations to be considered by current and future campus leadership.

Objective 6: Analyze implementation efforts as a result of recommendations provided.

Transition Input

Students, employees, alumni, and community members are welcome to provide input to contribute to Dr. Nicholas’s review.

Transition Input Form

Contact

Dr. Kedrick Nicholas
504-280-4521
kedrick.nicholas@ulsystem.edu