Nicole Morris Email and Phone Number

As Executive Dean, I drive academic excellence for 38K+ students across 20+ programs, focusing on fostering innovation, inclusivity, and long-term impact. I led successful accreditation and re-accreditation efforts with bodies, such as MSCHE and CCNE, ensuring compliance with evolving academic standards. Additionally, I collaborated with C-suite executives to refine governance policies on curriculum, transfer credits, and institutional priorities, aligning all processes with long-term strategic… Show more As Executive Dean, I drive academic excellence for 38K+ students across 20+ programs, focusing on fostering innovation, inclusivity, and long-term impact. I led successful accreditation and re-accreditation efforts with bodies, such as MSCHE and CCNE, ensuring compliance with evolving academic standards. Additionally, I collaborated with C-suite executives to refine governance policies on curriculum, transfer credits, and institutional priorities, aligning all processes with long-term strategic goals.Recognizing the critical role of faculty, I spearheaded mentorship and career development programs that increased retention and performance across departments. By introducing AI-driven professional development tools, I enabled faculty to automate routine tasks, freeing them to focus on delivering high-quality, engaging instruction. Wellness initiatives and community hubs further enhanced job satisfaction, resulting in a more cohesive and motivated academic team.To support students, I designed first-year experience programs tailored to address retention challenges and streamline degree pathways. These initiatives included orientation modules and credit transfer solutions that accelerated time-to-degree completion, directly improving graduation rates. Advanced analytics tools like Power BI were also deployed to inform personalized support services, ensuring success across diverse demographics.By implementing automation for grade processing and compliance workflows, I reduced administrative delays and eliminated errors, leading to a significant increase in efficiency. These efforts streamlined processes, ensuring seamless navigation for both students and faculty. Show less

As Dean of Career Readiness, I championed initiatives that bridged academic programs with real-world skills, ensuring students and faculty thrived in an evolving educational landscape. Overseeing multi-campus academics, I drove curriculum innovation, strategic faculty development, and institutional excellence through resourceful leadership and collaborative partnerships.I created foundational success courses that elevated enrollment and retention by addressing career readiness, time… Show more As Dean of Career Readiness, I championed initiatives that bridged academic programs with real-world skills, ensuring students and faculty thrived in an evolving educational landscape. Overseeing multi-campus academics, I drove curriculum innovation, strategic faculty development, and institutional excellence through resourceful leadership and collaborative partnerships.I created foundational success courses that elevated enrollment and retention by addressing career readiness, time management, and real-world application. These courses, combined with tailored coaching plans, empowered students to graduate better prepared for professional opportunities. Additionally, I partnered with external employers to align programs with industry needs, increasing student employability and enhancing the university’s reputation.On the faculty side, I led mentorship programs and professional development initiatives. By integrating advanced learning tools, like Blackboard and PeopleSoft, I enhanced instructional delivery and faculty engagement. These efforts not only boosted teaching efficiency but also cultivated an environment of continuous learning and professional growth.My leadership extended to accreditation processes, where I successfully directed reviews for programs such as RN to BSN (CCNE). These efforts ensured compliance, sustained high academic standards, and strengthened institutional credibility. Through data-driven resource allocation and strategic planning, I optimized faculty-student ratios and supported equitable resource distribution across campuses. Show less

As Regional Dean, I oversaw academic operations across multiple campuses spanning the northeast, Midwest, and southern regions, driving alignment between institutional goals and regional priorities. Managing a wide network of campus deans and academic staff, I championed strategies that enhanced faculty performance, student engagement, and workflow efficiency.To elevate academic quality, I led recruitment, training, and performance management processes, leveraging structured feedback… Show more As Regional Dean, I oversaw academic operations across multiple campuses spanning the northeast, Midwest, and southern regions, driving alignment between institutional goals and regional priorities. Managing a wide network of campus deans and academic staff, I championed strategies that enhanced faculty performance, student engagement, and workflow efficiency.To elevate academic quality, I led recruitment, training, and performance management processes, leveraging structured feedback systems and clear role definitions. This approach fostered a high-performing academic team, ensuring consistent quality across multiple states. Additionally, I bridged academic and operational priorities by fostering collaborative practices, aligning leadership goals, and creating a unified focus on student success.Recognizing the unique needs of non-traditional students, I developed campus cultures that prioritized flexibility and inclusivity. By incorporating family-friendly activities and adaptable scheduling, I significantly improved retention rates while enhancing the student experience. Strategic partnerships with over 25 community colleges further bolstered enrollment by streamlining transfer pathways and expanding access to educational opportunities.Operationally, I streamlined onboarding and compliance processes by standardizing HR procedures and training across campuses, reducing administrative delays and ensuring regulatory alignment. I also led the deployment of the PeopleSoft platform, optimizing database management and enabling greater efficiency for academic and administrative staff. Show less

As Campus Dean, I led academic operations and faculty leadership across Memphis and Knoxville campuses, ensuring policy compliance, resource optimization, and an enriching academic experience for students. I focused on creating collaborative environments that aligned curriculum planning, faculty development, and student support with institutional goals.To strengthen faculty recruitment and retention, I implemented a streamlined hiring program that aligned multi-campus needs with… Show more As Campus Dean, I led academic operations and faculty leadership across Memphis and Knoxville campuses, ensuring policy compliance, resource optimization, and an enriching academic experience for students. I focused on creating collaborative environments that aligned curriculum planning, faculty development, and student support with institutional goals.To strengthen faculty recruitment and retention, I implemented a streamlined hiring program that aligned multi-campus needs with standardized onboarding and mentorship processes. This initiative enhanced faculty readiness and improved overall instructional quality. Additionally, I initiated regional collaboration through symposiums with area deans, fostering cross-campus cooperation and enabling diverse, student-centered course offerings.Student success was a top priority. I expanded academic support through tutoring services and enhanced library resources, ensuring students had access to tailored assistance aligned with enrollment patterns and course demands. Strategic initiatives such as webinars, honor ceremonies, and career nights further boosted engagement and retention while fostering a sense of community.Community engagement played a pivotal role in campus growth. By partnering with local chambers of commerce and civic organizations, I spearheaded educational events that raised campus visibility and integrated students into the local ecosystem. These efforts enriched the student experience while enhancing the institution’s community presence. Show less

As Coordinator for New Student Orientation and Special Events, I managed comprehensive onboarding and retention programs for diverse student populations, including traditional, non-traditional, commuter, and transfer students. My efforts ensured smooth transitions into university life while supporting faculty and institutional goals through collaborative initiatives.I enhanced operational efficiency by designing and implementing an electronic reservation system for orientation programs,… Show more As Coordinator for New Student Orientation and Special Events, I managed comprehensive onboarding and retention programs for diverse student populations, including traditional, non-traditional, commuter, and transfer students. My efforts ensured smooth transitions into university life while supporting faculty and institutional goals through collaborative initiatives.I enhanced operational efficiency by designing and implementing an electronic reservation system for orientation programs, streamlining logistics and improving engagement for students and parents. This innovation not only reduced administrative burdens but also created a seamless onboarding experience.Through pre-enrollment initiatives such as structured on-campus events and interactive seminars, I increased student start rates from 80% to 97%. These initiatives fostered early student engagement, boosting interest and connection with the university community.In a significant project, I co-authored and managed the $10M Geier grant over three years, introducing impactful programs such as ACT workshops and summer immersion experiences for African-American students. This initiative led to a remarkable 98% of participants enrolling in college, far surpassing initial targets and contributing to institutional diversity and equity goals. Show less

As a Learning Specialist within the Educational Support Program, I spearheaded university-wide retention initiatives aimed at improving academic outcomes for at-risk students. Through first-year experience courses, supplemental instruction, and tailored academic support programs, I addressed key challenges affecting student engagement and success.I worked closely with faculty and students to design and implement collaborative success strategies, focusing on bridging academic gaps and… Show more As a Learning Specialist within the Educational Support Program, I spearheaded university-wide retention initiatives aimed at improving academic outcomes for at-risk students. Through first-year experience courses, supplemental instruction, and tailored academic support programs, I addressed key challenges affecting student engagement and success.I worked closely with faculty and students to design and implement collaborative success strategies, focusing on bridging academic gaps and fostering an environment of continuous improvement. These efforts not only addressed immediate academic deficiencies but also promoted long-term engagement and retention across diverse student populations. Show less