Nicolet selected as Gillings School’s senior associate dean

January 27, 2015

Todd A. Nicolet, PhD, associate dean for operations at the UNC School of Government, has been named senior associate dean at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.

Dr. Todd Nicolet

For Nicolet, it’s a homecoming. He worked at the UNC Gillings School from 2001 to 2007, initially providing project management for the “CDC Responds” webcast series and eventually serving as manager of the online instruction group and associate director of Instructional and Information Systems (IIS).

He left in 2007 to join the School of Government, where he became a highly respected manager and administrator for six units, including the library, information technology, publications, marketing, events management, and registration and support services areas. He also directed and played a central role in the launch of MPA@UNC, the online Master of Public Administration degree program, a partnership between the School of Government and 2U.

In his new role, Nicolet will provide senior-level administrative leadership at the Gillings School, with direct oversight of the business and finance, human resources, facilities, information technology, and institutional research and reporting units. He also will lead a variety of strategic initiatives and special projects that advance the School’s mission.

“We are delighted that Dr. Nicolet will be joining us as senior associate dean,” said Gillings School dean Barbara K. Rimer, DrPH. “He has an outstanding skill set. Having been at the Gillings School previously gives him an understanding of our history and culture. After working here, he completed a doctorate in higher education, which is invaluable in this new role, and honed his managerial skills at the School of Government. Todd is a thoughtful individual who will support our collaborative culture and help to advance our priorities.”

Nicolet said he knew from personal experience that members of the Gillings School faculty and staff are passionate about their work. He said he was honored to return to the public health team in such an important role.

“Throughout my career, I’ve sought to provide support and service to the people with whom I work,” he said. “I see this role as a resource that helps units and individuals achieve their objectives in accomplishing the work of the Gillings School, and I am thrilled to help confront the challenges and maximize the opportunities we’ll see in the future.”

Nicolet completed an undergraduate degree in literature at Eckerd College, earned a Master of Arts in English from UNC-Chapel Hill, and completed his doctorate in higher education administration at UNC-Greensboro.

Early in his career, he served numerous roles at a startup company providing turnkey solutions for online education at higher education institutions across the country.

“That experience,” he said, “not only provided a deep understanding of the development of effective online programs but also offered exposure to a wide range of institution types and administrative roles that continues to inform my work at UNC-Chapel Hill.”

During his time at UNC, he has served on numerous campus committees, most recently as chair of the Chancellor-appointed policy and procedures working group, developing recommendations for a policy ecosystem to manage all institutional policies. In 2012, the University recognized his leadership with its Excellence in Management Award.

Away from the office, Nicolet enjoys playing the piano and guitar, cooking, brewing beer, and playing and coaching soccer. He lives with his wife, Evan Gatti, PhD, who is associate professor of art history and associate director of the core curriculum at Elon University, and his 10-year-old son, Foster, a fifth-grader who loves to play soccer and swim.