Nicky Campbell, C’99, Named Dean of Students
February 14, 2025
Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen has announced the appointment of Nicky Campbell, C’99, as vice-president for
student life and dean of students. Campbell began serving in her new role in January.
Campbell has previously held numerous positions at Sewanee including assistant director of admissions, director of residential life and of community development, and assistant vice president of government and strategic partnerships. Most recently, she served as special assistant to the vice-chancellor and president for administration and community relations. As vice-president for student life, Campbell will serve on the Executive Staff and Vice-Chancellor’s Cabinet.
“Nicky brings a great deal of experience and expertise to the job and a passion for student success,” says Pearigen. “I’m grateful for her service and dedication in my first 18 months as vice-chancellor, and look forward to her continued leadership in crafting an exceptional experience for our students as they seek lives of meaning and purpose.”
Campbell graduated from the College in 1999 as a Desmond Tutu Scholar with a degree in psychology, and in 2012 earned a master’s of public service from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. Her work there included a collaboration with the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre in South Africa, the establishment of an educational nonprofit, and work in fundraising.
At Sewanee, Campbell co-created the University’s Intergroup Dialogue course, Philanthropy course, and the 213-A Leaders Program. As director of community development, she had a significant impact on advancing the missions of the Office of Civic Engagement and the South Cumberland Community Fund, including building one of the largest, award-winning AmeriCorps VISTA programs in the state of Tennessee; establishing the USDA Summer Meal Program in collaboration with the University’s McClurg Dining Hall; and creating the Philanthropy Internship Program, which invests funds in community initiatives through a student-led grant-making process.
