Dr. Laurie Geller Vice President for Academic Affairs | Minot State University
Dr. Laurie Geller Vice President for Academic Affairs | Minot State University
Jamie Nicholls, a new addition to the Minot State University (MSU) staff as Residence Life Coordinator, hails from Beverly Hills, Michigan. Raised in a lively area near Detroit, Nicholls found the transition to Minot a significant change. She shared her background and experiences that led her to this position.
Nicholls earned her degree in sociology with a concentration in women and gender studies from Adrian College in 2023. Initially recruited for soccer, she decided to focus on academics and sorority involvement instead. Reflecting on her college years, she said, “It would be impossible for me to talk about my college experience without talking about my sorority."
After taking a gap year during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicholls returned to complete her degree. She expressed her enthusiasm for sociology: “I love learning about people and societies." Moving to North Dakota was unexpected for Nicholls: “I got brought to Minot State on a whim," she explained.
While residence life was not initially part of her career plan, Nicholls discovered its impact during her education. She remarked on its importance: “Residence life is a great way to stay engaged on campus."
At MSU, Nicholls appreciates both colleagues and students. She highlighted the community aspect by saying, “People don’t join things; people join people.” Her positive interactions with students have been particularly rewarding: “These students make my job so much easier simply by having a good attitude.”
Minot State University is committed to excellence through rigorous academic experiences and active learning environments.