Nicole Kotlan, Ph.D.
Biography
Nicole Kotlan, Ph.D., Senior Director, Student Progression and College Operations.
Nicole provides leadership and development of administrative and operational activities and programs related to University College including assessment, grant and award applications, marketing and philanthropy efforts, staff development and recognition. Additionally, Nicole’s focuses her time on initiatives dedicated to leading the multi-year retention strategic initiatives (Retention Task Force: Route to Retention) and persistence strategic initiatives for the Kent campus undergraduate students.
Nicole co-advises University College Student Ambassador program. The Ambassador program is a council for students representing all departments in University College. The Ambassadors represent University College at programs and events, contribute to social media, and participate in professional development activities.
Under Nicole’s leadership (2015-2022), the Exploratory Program has been nationally recognized for best practices that guide students through career, major, and exploration. Recognition includes Outstanding Advising Program Award (NACADA, 2021 & 2022), Advising Innovation Award (NACADA, 2022), Excellence Award Gold (NASPA 2022), Excellence Award Bronze (NASPA, 2021), Innovation in Advising Award (NACADA Region 5, 2021 and 2022), and Innovative Program Award (NASPA Region IV-East, 2021).
Education
Certificate: Institutional Research and Assessment, Kent State University
M.Ed.: Higher Education Administration and College Student Personnel, Kent State University
BBA: Major in Marketing, Kent State University
Publications
- Destination Kent State: First-Year Experience Adapted for the College of Business Administration (Edited by Elizabeth Sinclair (Author), Nicole Kotlan (Author), Kathryn A. Levels (Author), 2014-2015)
Awards/Achievements
- President's Award of Distinction (Kent State University, 2022)
- Excellence Award (Gold): Enrollment Management, Financial Aid, First-year, Other-year, Orientation, and related (NASPA, 2022)
- Innovation in Advising Award (NACADA Region 5, 2021 & 2022)
- Advising Innovation Award (NACADA 2022)
- Outstanding Advising Program Award (NACADA, 2021 & 2022)
- Innovative Program Award (NASPA Region IV-E, 2021)
- Excellence Award (Bronze): Academic Advising, Careers, Graduate, Professional, and related (NASPA, 2021)
- Mothers, Mentors and Muses Award (Kent State University Women's Center, 2020)
- First Gen Advocate Award- Staff (Kent State University I AM First week, 2019)
- Academic Advising Administrator (Kent Academic Support and Advising Association, 2018)
- Innovation in Business Education Award-2nd place (MidAmerican Business Deans Association, 2016)
- Outstanding On-Campus Advisor (Kent State University Fraternity and Sorority Life, 2016)
- Outstanding Faculty/Staff Advisor of the Year Award (Kent State University Fraternity and Sorority Life, 2013)
- Certificate of Appreciation (Kent State University Student Accessibility Services, 2012)