Dr. Nichols joined the UCCSN System Administration this past May as acting vice chancellor for academic and student affairs. In this position, she coordinates academic, research and student issues within the system.

"In her short time with us, Dr. Nichols has made a tremendous impact in improving the quality of education for our students and faculty. Her work has been outstanding and it is with great pleasure that I've asked the Board to approve this appointment," said UCCSN Chancellor Richard S. Jarvis. "Dr. Nichols has already taken the lead in major initiatives in distance education, research development, the Regents' Award Program for student financial aid, and pursuit of funding for telecommunications and InterNet 2."

Before joining the UCCSN System Administration, Dr. Nichols served as the associate dean of the College of Education at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she has been a faculty member since 1984. From 1984 to 1990, she served as an associate professor in the Department of Social Work and as acting director of the Graduate Program in Social Work. More recently, Dr. Nichols served as coordinator of the Core Curriculum and as Director of University Assessment from 1990-1995.

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Nichols holds a bachelor's degree with distinction in psychology with a minor in mathematics from Rhodes College. She also holds a master's degree in administration/social welfare from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and has a doctorate in higher education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 76,000 students.