Dr. Dana Nichols, vice president for Academic Affairs at Chattanooga State Community College has been selected as one of 40 exceptional leaders from across the nation for the prestigious Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence.

Nichols came to Chattanooga State in 2016 and has rapidly made her mark as a well-loved and respected leader on campus. Interested in adding to Chattanooga State’s reputation for outstanding innovation, Nichols has been an integral part of academic innovation and leads the way in best practices. 

“Chattanooga State is proud that Dr. Nichols was selected to participate in the Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence. Her participation will aid Chattanooga State in the short term and the American community college system in the long-run as it prepares her for a presidential role in the future,” stated Chattanooga State President Dr. Rebecca Ashford.

Aspen Presidential Fellows begin their 10-month fellowship in July 2018. Fellows will learn strategies and frameworks enabling them to lead community colleges to high and improving levels of student success and effective partnerships. Nichols will be assigned to a current or former community college president mentor who has achieved exceptional outcomes for students. “It is a great honor to have been chosen as a fellow. I look forward to learning all that I can and returning to Chattanooga State with fresh ideas,” said Nichols.