Arkansas Tech University faculty, staff and students expressed their appreciation to Dr. Keegan Nichols for her years of service to ATU during a farewell reception at the Hull Building Student Union on Tuesday, March 11.
Nichols announced in January that she is resigning her position as ATU vice president for student affairs effective April 1 in order to move to Chicago, Ill., and begin a new life with her soon-to-be husband Randy Newkirk and his two children, Reilly and Garrett.
“It’s a bittersweet moment for ATU,” said Dr. Russell Jones, Arkansas Tech president, at the reception. “We really appreciate Keegan and all that she has accomplished. One of the things I could tell when I came here was the affinity she has for the students. She cares about the students and wants the best experience for them. She goes out of her way and puts herself on a limb for the students, and that’s the kind of people we need leading student affairs. I’ve gotten to know Keegan through work and as a friend, and we’re really going to miss her. We know she’s going to a happy spot in life.”
Nichols was named vice president for student affairs at ATU in June 2017. A graduate of Leadership Arkansas Class XIII, Nichols has helped ATU enhance its commitment to campus safety, civic engagement, community partnerships and first-generation students.
Under her leadership, Arkansas Tech has earned the Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention (2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023) and Voter Friendly Campus status through NASPA and the Campus Vote Project in each of the last three election cycles (2018, 2020 and 2022). Nichols was integral in the establishment of a mayoral student advisory council partnership with the City of Russellville and ATU’s membership in the International Town and Gown Association.
ATU has earned national recognition from the Center for First-Generation Student Success and established the ATU Office of First-Generation Experience under Nichols’ leadership. ATU was among 22 institutions across the U.S. selected by the Center for First-Generation Student Success to advance to the First Scholars phase of the First Scholars Network in 2023.
Nichols has served as a Higher Learning Commission peer reviewer, National Panhellenic area advisor, board member of Jana’s Campaign and NASPA Region IV-W director. She is participating in the 2024-25 American Association of State Colleges and Universities Executive Leadership Academy.
Recently, Nichols has been recognized by Arkansas Money and Politics as a Power Woman, by the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas among its Top 100 Women of Impact and by NASPA as a Pillar of the Profession.
“I am so blessed to have worked here,” said Nichols. “The (ATU) Division of Student Affairs is incredible. They will keep plugging along because they are incredible professionals. It has truly been an honor of a lifetime to get to work with all of you. Thank you for being amazing. Keep being amazing. The students shine because of all the work you do with them.”
Amy Pennington, ATU associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, will serve as ATU interim vice president for student affairs effective April 2, 2025.
