College of DuPage Names Keegan Nichols VP of Student Affairs
College of DuPage appoints keegan Nichols as Vice President of Student Affairs
Table of Contents
- College of DuPage appoints keegan Nichols as Vice President of Student Affairs
- Keegan Nichols Appointed Vice President of Student Affairs at College of DuPage: Your Top Questions Answered
- Key Questions About Keegan Nichols and Her New Role
- What is the Role of the Vice President of Student Affairs at College of DuPage?
- What Specific Areas Will Keegan Nichols Oversee?
- What Experience does Keegan Nichols Bring to College of DuPage?
- What are Keegan Nichols’ Educational Qualifications?
- What Are Some of Keegan Nichols’ Notable Achievements?
- What Is Keegan Nichols’ Vision for Her Role at College of DuPage?
- Summary of Keegan Nichols’ Career Highlights
- Key Questions About Keegan Nichols and Her New Role
Glen Ellyn, illinois — March 25, 2025
College of DuPage (COD) has named Keegan Nichols as its new Vice President of student affairs.Nichols brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education,with a focus on student success and engagement.
“Dr. Keegan’s depth of knowledge and commitment to enhancing the student experience make her an outstanding addition to COD,” said Interim President Christine Hammond. “We are excited to see the impact of her leadership on our students and campus community.”
In her new role, Nichols will oversee various student services and programs, including admissions and Outreach, the Center for Access and Accommodations, Counseling Services, Advising, the Enrollment Center, the Office of Student Records, Registration Services, and Financial Assistance. She will lead efforts to enhance COD’s student-centered campus culture and develop initiatives promoting student success and retention.
Nichols previously served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Arkansas Tech University since 2017. Ther, she managed a range of student services and programs, focusing on improving student retention, expanding support for first-generation students, and enhancing campus safety and engagement. Her experience also includes leadership positions at fort Hays State University, Colby Community College, Northern Illinois University, and Rockford College.
Nichols has been actively involved in the higher education community, serving as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission and as a director for NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) Region IV-W. She is also participating in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Executive Leadership Academy.
Her achievements include being named one of the Top 100 women of Impact in Arkansas in 2023, receiving the NASPA James J. rhatigan Outstanding Dean Award in 2024,the Arkansas Money and Politics Power Women award in 2024,and the NASPA Pillars of the Profession award in 2025.
From my first interactions with the students and staff at College of DuPage, I knew this was a special place.Nichols said.I’m eager to get started and am committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive.
Nichols holds a doctorate in adult and higher education from Northern Illinois University and a master’s degree in college management from the University of Central Missouri.She also earned a leadership Management Certificate from Harvard University.
Keegan Nichols Appointed Vice President of Student Affairs at College of DuPage: Your Top Questions Answered
Introduction
College of DuPage (COD) recently announced the appointment of Dr. Keegan Nichols as its new Vice President of Student Affairs. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Nichols brings a wealth of knowlege and a commitment to student success to this pivotal role.This Q&A article provides detailed insights into Dr. Nichols’ background, her new responsibilities, and what this means for the COD community.
Key Questions About Keegan Nichols and Her New Role
What is the Role of the Vice President of Student Affairs at College of DuPage?
The Vice President of Student Affairs at College of DuPage is responsible for overseeing and enhancing various student services and programs. This includes a broad range of departments and functions aimed at supporting students throughout their academic journey. In this role, Dr. Nichols will lead efforts to cultivate a student-centered campus culture and develop initiatives focused on promoting student success and retention.
What Specific Areas Will Keegan Nichols Oversee?
Dr. Nichols will oversee several key areas, which encompass critical student services and support systems:
Admissions and Outreach
The Center for Access and Accommodations
Counseling Services
advising
The Enrollment Center
The Office of Student Records
Registration Services
Financial Assistance
What Experience does Keegan Nichols Bring to College of DuPage?
Dr. Nichols boasts over 20 years of experience in higher education,with a meaningful focus on student success and engagement. Prior to joining COD,she served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Arkansas Tech University as 2017. During her tenure at Arkansas Tech University,she managed a wide array of student services and programs. Her work there focused on improving student retention, expanding support for first-generation students, and enhancing campus safety and engagement.
What are Keegan Nichols’ Educational Qualifications?
Dr. Nichols holds a strong educational foundation, having earned:
A doctorate in adult and higher education from Northern Illinois University
A master’s degree in college management from the University of Central Missouri
A leadership Management Certificate from Harvard University
What Are Some of Keegan Nichols’ Notable Achievements?
Dr. Nichols has received several notable awards and recognitions:
Named one of the Top 100 Women of Impact in Arkansas in 2023
Received the NASPA James J.Rhatigan Outstanding Dean award in 2024
Received the Arkansas Money and Politics Power Women award in 2024
* Received the NASPA Pillars of the Profession award in 2025
What Is Keegan Nichols’ Vision for Her Role at College of DuPage?
“From my first interactions with the students and staff at College of DuPage, I knew this was a special place. I’m eager to get started and am committed to fostering an habitat where every student can thrive,” Nichols stated upon her appointment. Her vision emphasizes creating a supportive and thriving environment for all students at COD.
Summary of Keegan Nichols’ Career Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| —————————- | —————————————————————————— |
| role at College of DuPage | Vice President of Student Affairs |
| Experience | Over 20 years in higher education |
| Previous Role | Vice president for Student Affairs at Arkansas Tech University |
| Key Focus Areas | Student success, student engagement, retention, and support for first-generation students. |
| Education | Doctorate from Northern Illinois University, Master’s from University of Central Missouri, Leadership Management Certificate from Harvard University |
| Awards | Top 100 Women of Impact in Arkansas (2023), NASPA Awards (2024, 2025) |
Conclusion
The appointment of Dr. Keegan nichols as Vice President of Student Affairs at College of DuPage marks an exciting development for the institution. Her extensive experience, proven commitment to student success, and strong educational background position her to make a significant impact on the COD community.