Laird promoted to Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success, Dean of Students

Dr. Nikki Laird will be promoted to Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Dean of Students at Henderson State University, effective April 18.

Laird replaces Dr. Brad Patterson, who will resign as Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Student Success, effective April 15, to pursue an external opportunity that will be announced at a later time.

“We can’t say enough about the leadership that Brad has provided for so many areas of our campus,” Dr. Chuck Ambrose, Chancellor of Henderson State University, said. “Brad has transformed our financial aid and admissions processes and has been instrumental in supporting students through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We wish Brad and his family the very best and will miss them at Henderson.”

Laird earned a B.A. in English at Duke University, M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration at the University of Texas at Austin, and Ph.D. in College Student Affairs Administration at the University of Georgia. She has 20 years of experience in higher education, including five years at Henderson.

“We look forward to Nikki’s continued leadership to enhance student success—opening the doors of access and opportunity to college and removing barriers to college completion for students. We are well positioned to reimagine Henderson as a college that works for all students,” Ambrose said.

As the Senior Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Officer for Henderson, Laird will serve on the university’s Strategic Leadership Team and report to the Chief Learning Officer/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Laird will provide leadership, vision, and oversight to the Division of Student Success—specifically to the Office of Admissions, Office of Financial Aid, Housing and Community Standards, Student Engagement, Greek Life, Recreation Center, Student Health and Wellness, University Police, Testing Center, and TRIO Programs.