UW VP for Student Affairs Chestnut Submits Resignation; Courtney Named Interim VP

After serving more than four years as the University of Wyoming’s vice president for student affairs, Kimberly Chestnut has submitted her resignation, effective Monday, Nov. 25.

Nycole Courtney, UW’s associate vice president/dean of student success and graduation, has been appointed as interim vice president for student affairs.

“We are grateful for the contributions made by Dr. Chestnut during her time at UW,” UW President Ed Seidel says. “Her care and concern for our students were always at the forefront, and she led through a great period of change for our university.”

Chestnut came to UW in 2018, when she was appointed as the dean of students. She became the interim vice president for student affairs in fall 2019, and the interim label was removed from her title in April 2020.

Chestnut guided UW’s Division of Student Affairs during the difficult COVID pandemic and played a leadership role in UW’s student success efforts, which have boosted UW’s post-pandemic first- to second-year student retention rate up to 79 percent. Chestnut was also instrumental in developing Saddle Up, UW’s new student orientation program; advocated for and supported enhanced mental health resources on campus; and led the creation of the Pokes Center for Community Resources, which addresses basic student needs, such as food and housing security, and helps students develop life and professional skills.

Courtney has held several positions in the Division of Student Affairs, including associate dean of students (2018-20), interim director of the Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center (2018-19), interim associate vice president and dean of students (2017-18), and assistant dean of students (2016-18). She became associate vice president/dean of student success and graduation in 2020.

Before coming to UW, Courtney served for 12 years as an educator and administrator with Laramie County Community College, working closely on student support centered on counseling, advising and student programming.

A first-generation college student, Courtney holds a doctorate in higher education leadership and Master of Science in counselor education from UW.