A-State Names Amanda Nickerson Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management
JONESBORO – Dr. Amanda Nickerson, a student-centered and visionary leader in higher education, has joined Arkansas State University as the new vice chancellor for enrollment management.
“I’m honored to join Arkansas State University and contribute to its bold vision for enrollment growth and student success. I was drawn to A-State’s commitment to access, innovation and community,” said Nickerson.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in business information systems from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Education from Texas Christian University (TCU). Nickerson earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from West Texas A&M University.
She comes to A-State after serving as the senior director of higher education partnerships for economic mobility at Dallas College Economic Mobility Center.
Before that, Nickerson was the interim associate vice president for enrollment management for admissions at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). During her time there, she achieved record-breaking enrollment numbers for first-year students, resulting in an eight percent increase from the previous year.
At UTA, she managed an $8.7 million admissions budget, revamped first-year admission strategies to enhance student retention, and launched partnerships with local school districts that boosted enrollment and retention rates.
Nickerson has also served as assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions and strategic recruitment initiatives at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. While at Tarleton, she modernized and created new enrollment content, digital media, and marketing campaigns, driving targeted messaging and resulting in a record number of admitted students.
Her career at Texas Christian University includes multiple roles, starting as a manager for admission information services, freshman admission counselor, research analyst and director of transfer admissions. Under her leadership, the transfer admissions department met enrollment goals and drove TCU’s transfer enrollment up 20% in 2017, breaking university records.
She also developed new, engaging campus visit programs targeting prospective transfer students and provided personalized admissions counseling and academic advising. Additionally, Nickerson established a transfer articulation agreement with Tarrant County College, a Texas community college, to facilitate a pathway for students to transfer to TCU.
“I hold a deep commitment to increasing enrollment and retention, for all students and especially among first-generation, transfer, and economically disadvantaged students,” Nickerson emphasized.
She explained that her expertise in business and technology supports her efforts to enhance enrollment.
“I bring a data-informed and technology-integrated approach to strategic enrollment management," Nickerson continued. "My educational background and experience in information systems consistently translates analytics into high-impact strategies. My leadership has resulted in record-breaking enrollment growth, improved retention, and student success."
A-State Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields noted that Nickerson was a strong candidate during the interview process.
“It was clear during her interview with the search advisory committee that she is a visionary leader, committed to teamwork, data-driven decisions, and student success. I can’t wait for more people on campus to meet Amanda as we work to strengthen the Red Wolves Pack,” said Shields.
Nickerson highlighted her preference for a collaborative and people-centered leadership approach.
“I lead through relationships, results, and a firm conviction that enrollment success is never the work of one person — it’s a shared achievement born from transformational collaboration,” she stated.
Having built her career in higher education administration, Nickerson attests that her upbringing instilled in her the importance of education and the need to eliminate barriers that can prevent someone from pursuing a degree.
“As a first-generation college graduate, I know firsthand the life-changing power of higher education and its ability to transform lives and families for generations — driving economic mobility and strengthening communities,” she said.
The seasoned college administrator began her role at A-State in July and is eager to welcome students to campus this fall.
“I’m especially excited to serve our students and their families, supporting college readiness and access efforts that help make students’ dreams a reality,” Nickerson added.
She plans to integrate herself into the community, connecting with prospective students before they even step foot on campus.
“This includes partnering closely with the dedicated counselors, advisers, and educational leaders in our high schools and system colleges who play such a vital role in guiding students to and through college,” said Nickerson.
