Nicholls State University recently filled three vacant leadership positions – dean of the College of Liberal Arts, dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and assistant vice president for Academic Affairs.
“The depth of experience and dedication these three leaders bring to their new roles is a testament to the talent within our university community,” said Nicholls President Jay Clune, PhD. “I am confident that their leadership will continue to elevate our academic programs and strengthen our commitment to student success for years to come.”
Dr. Michele D. Theriot, an alumna of Nicholls State University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, was named the dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Her appointment follows a distinguished administrative tenure, including five years as assistant dean and over a decade as associate department head of English, Modern Languages and Cultural Studies. As interim dean, and now officially dean, she will continue to oversee 7 academic departments and nearly 80 full-time faculty members while managing complex college budgets and accreditation efforts. Beyond her administrative duties, Dr. Theriot is an accomplished associate professor and a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching, reflecting her deep commitment to student success.
Dr. Kimberly Reynolds was named the dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, where she will continue to provide strategic leadership for academic programming and accreditation standards. A Nicholls alumna and former student-athlete, Dr. Reynolds holds a Ph.D. in General Psychology and has served the university since 2006 in various capacities, including assistant professor and department chair of Psychology, Counseling and Family Studies. Her background as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor provided a foundation for her to maintain high standards of teaching and faculty development. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Reynolds has also been heavily involved in campus life, serving as the faculty athletics representative and contributing to mentorship programs that support student success.
Dr. Kaisa Young was named the assistant vice president for Academic Affairs, bringing over two decades of expertise as a strategic planner and award-winning educator. With a Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Young recently served as the department head of Chemistry and Physical Sciences and previously revitalized the university's general education curriculum as program coordinator. Throughout her research career, she has secured over $600,000 in grants and authored numerous publications on both star formation and STEM pedagogy. Dr. Young’s commitment to institutional excellence is further evidenced by her leadership roles on various committees and her recognition as the 2021 Woman of Achievement.
These appointments highlight Nicholls State University’s commitment to academic excellence, institutional growth and the expertise of its leaders. Together, these administrators will continue to foster a culture of student success and innovation across the university.
