THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University is proud to announce that Dr. Michele Caruso has been named the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.
“I am humbled and excited for this opportunity to make an even greater impact on the student experience,” Dr. Caruso said. “I look forward to contributing to the progress of the university, and I hope to live up to Dr. Clune’s vision for the university.”
Dr. Caruso, who will also keep her title of dean of students, will oversee all aspects of student life and student services in the new position, including housing, judicial affairs, student organizations, Greek affairs, international student services, the counseling center, university health services, disabled student services, campus recreation, student educators and leaders, and behavioral crisis management. She will replace Dr. Eugene Dial, who is taking over as the executive director of the Higher Education Leadership Master’s Program.
A licensed professional counselor, Dr. Caruso originally joined the Nicholls campus in 1996. She served as the dean of student services for 16 years before being promoted to dean of students earlier this year.
Dr. Caruso has played an influential role across campus and Louisiana in the areas of diversity and inclusion. She has served as the Title IX Coordinator on campus; was among the team that created the Colonels Retention of Winners Network, which aims to increase retention and graduation rates of black males; and she serves on the University of Louisiana System Workplace Inclusion Task Force.
With the change, student affairs will report to Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Sue Westbrook.
“I’m excited to work closely with Dr. Caruso. She has an outstanding reputation across campus as a dynamic force for change, and I know she’ll have a positive impact on our students,” Dr. Westbrook said.
Dr. Caruso will take over the new position on Jan. 9.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 29, 2018
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu
