Dr. Daniel Nadler Joins Office of Student Affairs

Inside NKU: What are the primary responsibilities for the Student Affairs office?

DN: The Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs provides direct leadership over a wide variety of NKU departments, including those within Student Conduct and Engagement (which includes Campus Recreation; Early Childhood Center; Fraternity and Sorority Life; Health, Counseling, and Student Wellness; Student Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities; Student Engagement; the Student Union and Programming; and University Housing) and Student Inclusiveness (which includes African-American Programs and Services; Disability Programs and Services; Educational Talent Search; Latino Programs and Services; LEAP; LGBTQ Programs and Services; and Upward Bound); and the University Police Department.

Inside NKU: When should students seek the assistance of your office? What specific services can you provide for students?

DN: Our Division of Student Affairs staff members work closely with students in areas such as leadership and student development, shared governance, campus programming, civic engagement and community service, diversity and inclusive excellence, wellness and recreation, and school spirit.  We are extremely involved with our NKU colleagues in strengthening student recruitment, enhancing student retention, and maximizing graduation rates.  Additionally, we serve students in a variety of ways including providing advice, support, and referrals.

Inside NKU: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing college students today?

DN: Feeling stressed, financial concerns, mounting pressure to succeed academically and socially, distractions and ability to manage time and find “balance.”

Inside NKU: What sparked your interest in higher education and specifically in Student Affairs?

DN: As a student at Southern Illinois University, I was very involved in New Student and Family Programs as well as Greek Life. Through these involvement opportunities, I was able to develop some very meaningful and rewarding mentoring relationships. I always enjoyed getting involved in co-curricular activities, learning about leadership, management, and interpersonal communication skills.

While serving as a Graduate Assistant for New Student and Family Programs, a couple of my mentors encouraged me to consider Student Affairs as a career. At that time, I was studying Speech Communication and had plans to become an organizational communication consultant. Following completion of the M.S. in Speech Communication degree, a full-time position in Student Affairs became available, and I was very fortunate to be hired. At that time, I also starting pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education.

Inside NKU: Name something that most people would be surprised to know about you.

Last summer I zip-lined across a section of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Also, I was Drum Major of my high school band and we escorted Santa Claus in the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade in New York as well as President Nixon during his Inauguration Parade in Washington, D.C.