As Nicholls’ dean of Student Life prepares to leave the University, she reflects on her memories of her first day on campus; it was a day when she experienced two things Nicholls usually gives to students, faculty, staff members and visitors- a courteous, sociable environment and a parking ticket. Judy Daniels said she was on her way to her interview but did not know where the Student Life Office was located. Daniels said she asked for directions from a young lady heading in the opposite direction. The student started to tell Daniels the directions when she suddenly stopped and said- I’ll show you.
Daniels said she remembers hoping to have the chance to work on such a friendly and personable campus. Nicholls welcomed Daniels with the kind acts of a nameless student and a ticket for illegally parking in front of Ellender Memorial Library, and now Nicholls is saying goodbye to its dean of Student Life.
Daniels said she would be officially off the clock June 30 and has accepted the position Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services at Louisiana State University in Eunice.
Daniels said it was a hard decision to make.
“The combination of being able to go home and to accept a higher level position in higher education was something I felt like I just couldn’t pass up,” she said.
Daniels said she would not have accepted another position if it did not offer the opportunity to move closer to home and work directly with college students.
“I struggled with this decision because I am so happy at Nicholls. I love the campus. This is a wonderful working environment and Nicholls has been very kind and generous to me,” she said.
Daniels said she will really miss working with the students at Nicholls and is grateful for the opportunity to work with and get to know personally members of student organizations such as the Student Government Association, the Student Programming Association and Student Educators And LeaderS.
“I love to work with college students, it is a privilege to work with students,” she said.
Daniels said one of the things she is most proud of is the Student Leadership Seminar, which is now an annual event in its third year. She said she hopes her legacy is one of always putting the student first.
“I’m going to miss Nicholls. I love Nicholls and will forever. I thank Nicholls for everything and every opportunity that has been provided to me, and I wish the Nicholls community the best in the future,” Daniels said.
Cleveland Hill, retired dean of the College of Education, will take over as interim dean of Student Life July 1 and will serve in the position until the University has had a chance to conduct the required formal search for a replacement.