Nicole Shepard M.Ed.
Nicole Shepard, M.Ed., is an energetic, detail-oriented higher education professional whose work centers on improving the student experience and strengthening the systems that support academic success. With a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Merrimack College, Nicole has developed expertise across advising, program development, and administration—always with a student-first mindset. Her early work as a Graduate Fellow for Merrimack’s Professional and Continuing Studies office allowed her to contribute to the creation of a fully online bachelor’s degree pathway for non-traditional learners. In this role, she partnered closely with a third-party vendor to integrate tools and applications that made higher education more accessible for working students balancing school, life, and careers. Nicole’s commitment to student support continued through roles as an Academic Specialist at Hudson Valley Community College and later as an Academic Advisor at the University at Albany, SUNY. Across these positions, she guided students through academic planning, career decision-making, and personal development, ensuring they had the clarity and confidence needed to progress toward their goals. She is recognized for her communication skills, resourcefulness, and ability to build trusting relationships with diverse student populations. Today, Nicole serves as the Cybersecurity Departmental Administrative Manager for the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity, where she supports operations, academic functions, and college-wide initiatives. In this fast-paced environment, she brings structure, strategic coordination, and a passion for helping both students and staff succeed. With a foundation in psychology, extensive training—including certifications in career management and navigating difficult conversations—and a genuine dedication to service, Nicole continues to shape more supportive, accessible, and student-centered educational spaces.
• Career Management: Office of Graduate Education
• Difficult Conversations: Talking about Race at Work
• Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems
• Time Management for Busy People
• Leadership: Practical Skills
• Safe Zone Training
• Remote Work Foundations
• Leading with Applied Improv
• Merrimack College- M.Ed.
• NACADA Integrity Core Value Award
• ACM New York Celebration of Women in Computing Conference
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for higher education, knowing firsthand the impact it has on shaping a successful life. My own experience navigating the uncertainty of attending a college that was closing strengthened my commitment to helping students overcome obstacles and find clear paths to graduation. Understanding what it is like to go through a college closure has helped me better connect with students in the cybersecurity program during my time as an academic advisor.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that I can pursue my dreams through higher education and build a life that feels fulfilling, purposeful, and true to who I want to become.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay the course, trust your growth, and watch your success become contagious.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in my field is ensuring that I remain accessible to everyone who needs support, as my role requires me to wear many hats. Cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding discipline that attracts both traditional and non-traditional students, and our program continues to grow each semester. Supporting more than 800 students is no small task, but it is a challenge the Cybersecurity Department embraces with dedication and pride.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are helping others succeed, working hard, and maintaining strong connections with my family and friends. I also value self-care and balance, which I enjoy through baking, cooking, and cycling at the gym several times a week.