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Originally from Apple Valley, MN — a suburb of Minneapolis, Nicole Holland is the new Director of Accreditation and Assessment in CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development (SEHD). Nicole earned her master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Development with a focus on Evaluation Studies from the University of Minnesota. She finished her undergraduate studies with a double major in Psychology and History from Gustavus Adolphus College.

She has worked in higher education for the past 18 years, starting as a research analyst and ending as the Director of Institutional Research for a university’s Office of Institutional Research and Assessment. Next, at the University of Denver, Nicole initially served as the Associate Director for Accreditation and Assessment and was promoted to the Director for Accreditation and Assessment for the Morgridge College of Education.

Nicole’s experience partnering with faculty and staff on writing accreditation and authorization self-studies, responding to review teams, and creating data collection and reporting systems, will be vital as she collaborates in SEHD and across campus. Nicole is especially looking forward to re-engaging in accreditation and assessment-related scholarship through publications and conference presentations and participating in staff governance at CU Denver.

“I am thrilled to have Nicole on board given her wealth of experience in collaborating effectively with faculty in different contexts to ensure high quality academic programming,” said Dr. Marvin Lynn, Dean of CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development.

Nicole’s passion for teamwork shines through. “I’m really excited to have thought partners in Mary Lovitt, Dean Lynn, the ASPIRE to Teach team, and the campus institutional research team,” she said. “In my interviews, everyone was so just kind and welcoming, and it just felt like a great space. Several weeks prior to my start date, Dean Lynn emailed me to share important contact information and the like. I really appreciated that welcoming level of support before I even stepped into the office. It was amazing. I have never had that happen before in another job. It just cemented that accepting this new position was a good decision. It is exciting to think about what comes next.” 

In her free time, Nicole enjoys the occasional weekend hike, lounging in a newly purchased hammock, and spending time with family and friends. She has also become an amateur birder with a Merlin “life list” of 100 birds (and counting!) She is planning a trip to Costa Rica this fall with friends and may be most excited to witness the avian life CR has to offer!

Welcome, Nicole!