Giving students a successful college experience is one of the main objectives for Judy Daniels, new dean of student life.

Daniels, a veteran on student affairs at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, began her career at Nicholls on July 2.

“I think my vision for any student affairs program is one of unifying our mission,” she said.

The position became vacant when Dr. Eugene Dial accepted the position of vice president for student affairs.

As vice president, Dial was instrumental in the hiring for his former position.

“The final recommendation came from me to the president, but there was a screening committee of 20 people, students, faculty and staff.”

Daniels, who was chosen from a field of 24 applicants, was intrigued with the consists of the committee.

“I found it so fascinating that y’all had anybody and everybody from a first-time freshman, to a secretary, to a Greek, to a commuter, to a faculty member,” she said.

“Everybody had a say in the selection process. I was like ‘Wow.’

“Most committees I’ve been interviewed by had three to six people on average.”

She said these committees rarely had more than one student.

Dial said the 49-year-old Daniels was selected because of her familiarity with the job description.

“She was selected because her background in higher education in Louisiana will enable her to hit the ground running because she understands higher education in south Louisiana.

“She’s from south Louisiana. So, she’s familiar with the culture. She’s got a diversified record of involvement in higher education and student affairs.”

Daniels is a licensed professional counselor and was president of the Louisiana College Counseling Association.

“She’s done a lot of community as well as campus outreach activities,” Dial said.

“She brings a sense of experience and maturity in training that will allow her to hit the ground running.”

Daniels said she has been working in student affairs for 23 years.

“I was an R.A. when I was an undergraduate student. I know what campus life is like,” she said.

Another focus for Daniels is retention.

“Recruiting takes some effort, but it’s not hard to recruit. It’s hard to keep them here once they get here.”

Daniels said student leaders and others on campus need to be involved with retention efforts.

“That’s a big deal that I’m going to be concerned about. Everybody has to be involved in the retention effort,” she said.

Daniels said she wants to follow through on the mission of the University.

“I want to listen to students. I want to respond to student needs as best I can. I want to expand an appreciation for diversity. I want students to participate in student life.

“I want them to have a successful and positive living and learning experience, because it’s the most important time in their lives.

“You’re going to make lifelong friends, build a career and build a future and direction for you,” Daniels said.

“The challenge for me is going to be when I look at every student to try to figure out, what is it that Nicholls has that you would want.”

Daniels is the first black female dean at Nicholls.

“That doesn’t really concern me,” she said. “That’s for statistics.”

Ernest Daniels, husband of the new dean, is involved in real estate and insurance in Lafayette.

“He’s always supported me,” she said.

The Daniels have three daughters, Camille, Erica and Erin, who just graduated from high school.

Daniels said the graduation of her youngest daughter Erica made it the right time to change jobs.