THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University is naming Dr. Michele Caruso vice president for student affairs, pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.
Dr. Caruso has served as interim vice president for student affairs since Feb. 2020.
“Nicholls has been my home for more than two decades, so I am thrilled to continue advocating for our students at the highest level,” said Dr. Caruso. “I care deeply about our students and am proud to support them during such a transformational time in their lives. I am honored to work with an exceptional student affairs team and I look forward to continuing working with Dr. Clune and the leadership team to provide the best undergraduate experience in the state.”
Dr. Caruso joined the Nicholls campus in 1996. She served as the dean of student services for 16 years before becoming dean of students in 2018.
“In addition to her passion for our students’ well-being and experience in diversity and inclusion initiatives, Dr. Caruso has demonstrated strong leadership in crisis since being named the interim vice president in February,” said Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune. “I want to thank the search committee and Dr. Alex Arceneaux, the committee chair, for conducting a successful search.”
Since 2018, Dr. Caruso has helped bring Mom’s Pantry to campus and create Tillou’s Table and Beyond the Pantry to combat food insecurity for students. She also founded the Colonel Acts of Kindness program to recognize members of the Nicholls community who go above and beyond.
Dr. Caruso has played an influential role on campus and across Louisiana in the areas of diversity and inclusion. She also served on the University of Louisiana System Workplace Inclusion Task Force.
She is the former chair of the Nicholls Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and was on the team that created the Colonels Retention of Winners Network.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@nicholls.edu
