Nichols to Step Down as ATU Vice President April 2

Dr. Keegan Nichols ATU 2023
Dr. Keegan Nichols

A life transition that includes a second opportunity at love and the chance to be a mother has led Dr. Keegan Nichols, Arkansas Tech University vice president for student affairs, in a new direction.

Nichols has resigned her position at ATU effective April 2, 2025, 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.

“Life changes in an instant,” said Nichols. “While living in Rockford, Ill., over salsa, chips and margaritas, Randy and I became friends in an instant 20 years ago. Since then, we both experienced life-changing love with our late spouses. We also experienced losing our spouses in an instant.

“While life changes in an instant, our past remains with us,” continued Nichols. “Our hope is that our story shows you that your heart is big enough to embrace both your past and your future. Both of us had incredible marriages and never imagined we would find another profound love story. We believe that Jimmy and Amy helped us muster the courage to come together, knowing we could build an incredible love story and a bright future. Life changes in an instant, and we are grateful for the moments we have experienced and will continue to experience together as husband and wife.”

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.

“Dr. Nichols is nationally recognized as a scholar and leader in the field of student affairs,” said Dr. Russell Jones, ATU president. “Her contributions to Arkansas Tech are too many to count, but her most lasting impact will be the relationships she developed with her students and her colleagues. She has lifted those around her by building their self-confidence and providing them with opportunities to grow and develop. We will miss her, and we wish her all the best as she moves forward to this new chapter in her life.”

Jones said that a national search to identify Nichols’ successor will begin soon.

“The past seven-and-a-half years have been truly extraordinary, and I would not trade my experiences for anything,” said Nichols. “I have formed lifelong friendships, built strong relationships in the community, found mentors and had the privilege of working with incredible students. I have had the opportunity to shape the ATU Division of Student Affairs and the university in ways I could not have imagined. Arkansas Tech University has provided me with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and I am grateful to have served this esteemed institution.

“I will do everything in my power to ensure a smooth and seamless transition,” continued Nichols. “This division and university, which have given me so much, deserve nothing less than my best until the very end. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisors, faculty, staff, Russellville community, alumni and especially our students for an amazing journey. You will all be greatly missed.”