McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Kedrick A. Nicholas has dedicated more than 20 years of service to McNeese State University, where he has been a champion for student success, institutional effectiveness, and leadership development. A two-time McNeese graduate, he holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from McNeese and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Dr. Nicholas began his career in higher education as a graduate assistant in Student Services, an experience that sparked his passion for supporting students and shaping the campus experience. He has since held progressive leadership roles across the university, including Coordinator of Student Activities, Assistant Dean of Student Services, Dean of Students, Dean of Student Affairs, and Senior Vice President. He has also served as the university’s Title IX administrator.
Throughout his career, Dr. Nicholas has led transformative initiatives that strengthened student engagement, retention, and success. He established Cowboy Camp, founded the CARE Mentorship Program, launched leadership development programs for faculty and staff, and created McNeese’s first comprehensive strategic plan for student affairs. He also led the implementation of a U.S. Department of Education grant to enhance first-year student success programs and helped form the McNeese Staff Senate to support shared governance.
Recognized as a thought leader in higher education, Dr. Nicholas has presented at regional and national conferences, consulted with peer institutions, and served in statewide leadership roles—most notably as President of the Louisiana Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators (LACUSPA). He is also actively engaged in community service and youth mentorship.
As the senior vice president, Dr. Nicholas worked closely with the president of McNeese on broad conceptual efforts on campus, university-wide budget management, partnerships with external entities, and relationships with governing authorities on the system and state levels.
As senior vice president of student affairs, Dr. Nicholas oversees and provides vision for all aspects of the student affairs at McNeese. His ongoing leadership efforts focus on establishing cohesion, increasing resource allocation efficiency, and effectively meeting the student body’s holistic needs. This is evident in the recent Division of Student Affairs Strategic Plan Dr. Nicholas authored using input from students and colleagues.
At McNeese, he has also served as dean of student affairs, dean of students, associate dean of students, director of campus life and engagement, assistant dean of student services, coordinator of student activities, and a verification officer in the financial aid office. During the 2023-2024 academic year, he guided an institutional transition at the University of New Orleans as a special assignment from the University of Louisiana System.
I am a McNeese graduate with a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science and a concentration in Child and Family Studies. As a student, I competed on the rodeo team and served on the SGA board. I earned my master’s degree in 2022 from the University of South Dakota in Educational Administration and Leadership with a concentration in Adult and Higher Ed. I have over 13 years of experience in adult education and 20 years of educational experience.
My favorite part of being a Freshman Advisor is helping students navigate their new life routine as a college freshman by offering support with in-person office visits or by email to help students meet their goals. I always remind students of my favorite BB King quote – “Education is one thing no one can ever take away from you.” I believe that supporting students is vital to a student's success.
In my spare time, I raise registered American Brahman cattle, and I enjoy all the "country girl" things like hunting, fishing, growing a garden and cooking.