Comments from Colleagues

“John has made significant contributions to the higher education community as a president, provost, and professor. He is a transparent, inclusive and visionary leader who is committed to academic excellence and student success.”

Dr. Rita Cheng (Retired)

Former President, Northern Arizona University
Former Chancellor, Southern Illinois University

“I have worked with academic industry leaders across multiple states and without qualification, President Nicklow is unique in his ability to translate the role of an intellectually inclusive and vibrant university in ensuring that the local, regional and state economies grow and create more economic opportunities for residents. I could not more enthusiastically endorse President Nicklow and know that his family’s addition to any community would be an awesome home run!”

Mr. Quentin Messer

CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and member of Governor’s Cabinet
Former President and CEO of New Orleans Business Alliance

“Dr. Nicklow is an exceptional advocate for students. He believes deeply in each student’s potential, and will ensure that Florida Tech will be a catalyst to help each student thrive. I am grateful to call him a mentor and friend, and I know Florida Tech will benefit greatly from his leadership.”

Dr. Julie Payne-Kirchmeier

Vice President for Student Success, Indiana University System
Former Associate Provost for University College, Southern Illinois University

“Dr. Nicklow is a visionary and inspiring leader. He has an amazing ability to help others envision a future state that is more significant and aspirational than the present, and then produce an achievable plan to get there. He builds relationships through both outreach and attraction—when key players see success, they want to be a part of it. John embodies success in a way that attracts successful people and his confident leadership is palpable. John is truly one of the finest servant-leaders I have known in my 42-year career.”

Dr. Robert (Bobby) Savoie

President and Chief Science and Engineering Officer, Sev1Tech; Former CEO of Geocent LLC
(Dr. Robert A. Savoie College of Engineering at the University of New Orleans is named in his honor)

“Working with President Nicklow has been one of the high points of my time as faculty senate president. I have found him to be a strong advocate of shared governance and he continually seeks our input on campus decisions. His transparency is a refreshing change and, should I transition to senior administrative roles one day, his leadership style would serve as a model for me to emulate.”

Dr. Chris Broadhurst

Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, Counseling and Foundations
Faculty Senate President, University of New Orleans

“John Nicklow is a true inspirational leader. He motivates through his deliberate and thoughtful actions to further the university’s mission. He is well known in the community for successful implementation of his transformative ideas and for building meaningful partnerships. Most of all, he is respected for his integrity and dedication to his students, faculty and staff.”

Mr. Jeff Bush

Chief Development Officer, University of New Orleans

“John has demonstrated the talent to operate at both the visionary and operational levels to advance UNO. In short, to see the forest and the trees through collaboration.”

Dr. Darrell Kruger

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Executive Director of Research & Economic Development, University of New Orleans