About President Nicole Reaves

The Eighth President of SUNY Schenectady

Dr. Reaves began her tenure at SUNY Schenectady County Community College on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. 

Dr. Nicole Reaves served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Programs Officer at Wake Technical Community College, the largest community college in North Carolina, impacting approximately 64,000 students annually. In this role, she oversaw academic affairs, student affairs, institutional effectiveness, workforce and continuing education, and the provosts over the seven campuses. Her leadership drove significant institutional advancements, including a major reorganization to support a one-college framework, better aligning industry-focused non-credit and credit programs to support student success, and the implementation of the college’s strategic plan which resulted in improved student outcomes.

Previously, Dr. Reaves was the Provost at Northern Virginia Community College’s Medical Education Campus, overseeing Nursing and Health Sciences and all the operational aspects of the specialized campus. There she led the development of a health sciences transfer degree, increased enrollment by 15%, established vital industry and educational partnerships, specifically partnering with Alexandria City Schools and George Washington University to establish the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy. She and her team also launched the “MEC Mobile” clinic to serve underserved communities while providing much needed clinical opportunities for students.

As Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at City Colleges of Chicago—Wilbur Wright College, Dr. Reaves drove efforts to redesign developmental education to improve student success rates, led the development of the colleges first academic strategic plan, co-led with faculty a national equity project with the American Association of Colleges and Universities that resulted in significant increases in Hispanic student success. Her tenure saw a doubling of degrees awarded annually and significant increases in graduation and enrollment. At Westmoreland County Community College, Dr. Reaves served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services leading Achieving the Dream initiatives which increased retention and completion rates. She played a pivotal role in successful accreditation processes, developing and implementing the college’s strategic plan, new program development, and a record breaking capital campaign. Additionally, she assisted with the launch of the college’s new Advance Technology Center and Latrobe Campus.

Dr. Reaves’ over 30 year long leadership in higher education has centered on advancing academic excellence, ensuring access to higher education, partnering to build strong communities, prioritizing a deep commitment to equity and inclusion and championing the life changing mission of open access institutions such as community colleges. Her experience also includes 12 years of teaching in Allied Health and College and Career Readiness.

Dr. Reaves holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University, a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from East Carolina University.