HCC Hires Provost
Jessica M. Nicklin, Ph.D., begins her job at HCC July 1.
Holyoke Community College is pleased to announce that Jessica M. Nicklin has accepted the position of HCC provost and vice president of academic affairs.
Nicklin, Ph.D., presently serves as associate provost for faculty affairs and research and a professor of psychology at the University of Hartford, where she has worked for nearly 17 years.
“Dr. Nicklin is a respected leader in higher education and an organizational psychologist, recognized for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and dedication to student, faculty, and institutional success,” President George Timmons said in an announcement to the HCC community. “She is a proud, first-generation college graduate, and her extensive experience in academic and student affairs will be instrumental in advancing our strategic plan and enhancing HCC’s impact in our community.”
Nicklin earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany.
Soon after completing her doctorate in 2009, she received an academic appointment at the University of Hartford as assistant professor of psychology. Since then, she has risen through the academic ranks to tenured professor, while also taking on administrative responsibilities as program director, associate dean of student academic services, associate vice president for student success, assistant provost for graduate studies and research, and finally associate provost for faculty affairs and research, a position she assumed in 2023.
Her role at HCC begins July 1.
“This truly feels like the perfect opportunity,” Nicklin said. “The shared commitment to both academic and student affairs is what initially drew me to the position, and as I’ve engaged with the HCC community, I’ve been continually impressed and inspired by the unwavering focus on supporting students. I’m excited to join the institution at a moment of strategic planning and forward momentum.”
A distinguished scholar in industrial-organizational psychology, Nicklin’s research focuses on workplace motivation, the work-family interface, and positive psychology. She is a prolific writer, consultant, and frequent speaker and holds certifications in academic life coaching.
She has received numerous awards and honors recognizing her scholarship, teaching, leadership, and service. In 2018, her alma mater, SUNY Albany, recognized Nicklin with its Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time, particularly outdoors, with her family: husband Chris, sons Parker, 8, and Logan, 5, and their beloved pup, Sadie, 12.
PHOTO: Jessica M. Nicklin
