Susie Nicholson was at the forefront of one of the greatest higher education success stories in Arkansas history during more than two decades of service at Arkansas Tech University.

Beginning with her acceptance of the Director of University Relations role at Arkansas Tech in 1998 and continuing through her tenure as ATU Vice President for Student Services and University Relations from 2011-16, Susie played a significant role in reshaping the image of Arkansas Tech. Marketing initiatives pursued under her guidance helped ATU grow from a small college with an enrollment of fewer than 4,500 students to a regional, comprehensive university that at one point served more than 12,000 students. ATU became one of the 10 fastest-growing master’s degree-granting institutions in the United States during that time. 

Susie’s leadership of the ATU Division of Student Services was characterized by an increased emphasis on co-curricular programs, enhanced service-learning opportunities, dramatic growth in student success initiatives, a revitalized freshman orientation program, and a renewed focus on student wellness. Susie was also a key player in restoring the tradition of Jerry the Bulldog at Arkansas Tech following a 76-year absence and she helped introduce Jerry Charles Young I as ATU campus ambassador in 2013.

Susie completed her Arkansas Tech career by serving as Director of NCAA compliance and Assistant Title IX Officer from 2016-21, at which point she entered the private sector and took on her current role as Director of Strategic Services for Sells Agency in its Fayetteville, Arkansas, office.

Previous to her tenure at Arkansas Tech, Susie was Vice President for Marketing at First National Bank in Russellville, Arkansas, from 1988-98, and Public Relations Director for Pilgram and Associates in Russellville from 1986-88.  

Susie expanded her leadership to a regional level from 2016-18 when she served as chair of CASE District IV.

Susie’s volunteer efforts have also included work with the The Dance Foundation, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, the Public Relations Society of America, the Junior Auxiliary of Russellville, the River Valley United Way, the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center, Main Street Russellville and the First United Methodist Church of Russellville.

Susie is a 1986 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. She earned a Master of Science degree in college student personnel from Arkansas Tech University in 2010.

Susie resides in Fayetteville, Ark. She is mother to Kate, Abbie, and Whit.