The University System of Georgia (USG) named Dana Nichols as interim president of Georgia Highlands College, effective July 7, 2021. Nichols was the college’s chief academic officer and provost. She succeeded President Don Green, who accepted a new position as president of Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pa. Nichols served in her provost role since August 2018. Among other duties, she supervised the deans in each academic area which includes Health Sciences, STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, Business and Professional Studies, and Libraries and Testing, as well directors for the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Enrollment Management, and Student Support Services. “Dr. Nichols’ experience and knowledge of Georgia Highlands College make her an excellent choice as the college continues to focus on student success and degree attainment for the communities it serves,” recently retired USG Chancellor Steve Wrigley said. “She understands
how important GHC’s mission is, and I’m grateful for her leadership.” Nichols previously worked as vice president for academic affairs at Chattanooga State Community College. She began her academic career at Gainesville State College, serving first as a tutor in the Foreign Language and Writing Labs, and then as associate professor of both English and Spanish. A native of northeast Georgia, Nichols has also served as assistant vice president and dean of Academic Affairs at Lanier Technical College. She earned a doctorate in English from Georgia State University, dual bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish from Mercer University, and two associate degrees from Gainesville College. “I am so honored to assume the role of interim president at GHC,” Nichols said. “With the support of a great team of faculty and staff, we will not only continue GHC’s tradition of providing the type of student-centered, quality, and affordable education and training opportunities that we
GHC Interim President Dana Nichols Dr. Nichols welcomes guests to the Boots and BBQ celebration event in November. See more on pages 28-29 in this issue.
are known for, but we will also expand our innovative curriculum and outreach efforts together with our partners in industry and K12 education.” In her role as provost, Nichols has been focused on retention and graduation efforts at GHC with a strong commitment to student success strategies, creating new degree programs and certificates that complement local workforce needs, and pursuing strategic scheduling across GHC’s five locations.
FALL IN-SERVICE
GHC faculty and staff gathered at the Floyd campus in August 2021 to kick off fall semester and the new academic year.
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Office of the President
Dr. Dana Nichols named interim president
