Nicholas Gordon joins the College of Arts and Sciences as the new director of recruitment on May 3.
Gordon earned his bachelor's degree, majoring in political science with a minor in sociology, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2011. He has served as an admissions counselor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse since 2017, where he earned a master's degree in student affairs administration.
"We are confident Nicholas possesses the leadership skills, knowledge, and passion to help us move the college forward with our ambitious student recruitment and retention goals in the years ahead," June Griffin, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, said.
Jumping from Jamaica to Nebraska
Nicholas is originally from Kingston, Jamaica, where he went to Calabar High School.
Because his parents did not have college experience, his high school head track coach Michael Clarke took the reins in helping him navigate the college search process. His first and only official college tour was at Nebraska in February 2007.
"It was my first time seeing snow and a very cold day I remember," he said. "Even though I thought the weather was horrible, what I was left with was the impression of the people at UNL in athletics, the advisor in Oldfather Hall I met with regarding political science and the random people saying hello to me.
"The people in Nebraska, and in particular at UNL, are some of the nicest and most welcoming people I have ever met. Feeling welcome on campus played a special role in me ultimately choosing to enroll."
In the end it was his mother who helped him choose Nebraska—she was impressed with the academics, the number of Academic All-Americans at Nebraska, and the scholarship offered.
During his time at Nebraska, he was a team captain for the Huskers' track and field team and was named the 2011 NU Male Student-Athlete of the Year. He was Big 12 Champion in indoor and outdoor long jump in 2009; a National Collegiate Athletic Association Champion in the long jump in 2009; and named All-American in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Driven by Experience
"As a first generation, international student and ethnic minority, I gained various experiences, and I have countless people to thank for where I am today," he said. "Because of these experiences, I have a passion and drive to be that person I needed years ago to help students create different pathways to navigate college."
He firmly believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are very important, not only for individuals but for colleges in America.
"I worked initially as an assistant track and field coach, before also working as a new freshmen admissions counselor, with a focus on multicultural/diversity recruitment," he said. "I have experience working with various diverse groups and tons of experience with organizing group visits, working with community-based organizations, and working with different departments within the University of Wisconsin system."
He wants to share the message that all can go to college, and he especially wants to help underrepresented students with college access. His experience includes creating a recruitment plan aimed at increasing percentages of underrepresented students, identifying the barriers for different groups, and implementing workable and consistent solutions to help those students eliminate or navigate those barriers.
Championing the Liberal Arts
"I think the liberal arts degree is amazing and so important for students. It allows students to be more well-rounded in various areas and introduces students to different ways of thinking while pairing students with many students of different backgrounds.
"This is important because we live in an increasingly global society, whether that is in Nebraska, the Midwest, the United States, or the world. Getting a liberal arts degree exposes our students to so many opportunities, making them better citizens of the world."
Calling Nebraska Home Again
He is happy to be back in Nebraska, where he still has college friends and family.
"My partner is from Omaha, Nebraska, and it will be nice to again be surrounded by so many people I love. I spent some of my formative years in Lincoln and I am absolutely ecstatic to be coming back to the good life.
"I want my love and excitement for UNL to shine through and for students and their families to be able to see what I see and feel what I feel for this wonderful place that I will finally again be calling home!
"Coming back to Nebraska is special to me," Gordon said. "I was very impressed by how welcoming everyone was, and years later, they still are."
