Nicholls Announces Changes to Student Affairs

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Nicholls State University is separating the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Academic Affairs. Dr. Michele Caruso will be interim vice president of student affairs, pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.

 

Dr. Caruso has served as the associate vice president of student affairs since Jan. 2019. Since then, she has helped bring Mom’s Pantry to campus and create Tillou’s Table as a way to combat food insecurity for students. She founded the Colonel Acts of Kindness program to recognize members of the Nicholls community who go above and beyond.

 

“Nicholls State University is devoted to the student experience and how it impacts our students’ futures,” she said. “Being a part of this team is inspiring. This role allows me to continue to do what I love while collaborating with others to bring innovative solutions to new challenges.”


 

A licensed professional counselor, Dr. Caruso joined the Nicholls campus in 1996. She served as the dean of student services for 16 years before being promoted to dean of students in January 2018.

 

Dr. Caruso has played an influential role across campus and Louisiana in the areas of diversity and inclusion. She has served as the Title IX Coordinator on campus, and she serves on the University of Louisiana System Workplace Inclusion Task Force. She was on the team that created the Colonels Retention of Winners Network, which aims to increase retention and graduation rates of black males.

 

“Dr. Caruso is a champion for our students,” said Dr. Jay Clune, Nicholls president. “Her commitment to our students and their success in and out of the classroom is shown in the passion that she brings to this campus every day. I am confident in her ability to handle the challenges of this position and have no doubt that she has our students’ best interest at heart.”


 

Dr. Caruso will retain her title of dean of students.

 

A national search for vice president for student affairs will take place at a later date.