Nicklow Named Next President

University of New Orleans Leader Brings Student Focus, Collaborative Leadership Philosophy to Florida Tech

John Nicklow is the next leader of Florida Institute of Technology.

Board of trustees chair Travis Proctor announced today on behalf of the board that Nicklow, president of the University of New Orleans in Louisiana, has been appointed as the sixth president in Florida Tech’s 65-year history. Nicklow, with a background in engineering and higher education teaching, research and administration, will bring a student-centered focus to his new role. He takes office July 1.

“Dr. Nicklow’s leadership success as a sitting president at the University of New Orleans, his extensive background in academics and research, as well as his approach to teamwork and collaboration will all be assets to Florida Tech,” Proctor said. “Throughout his 25-year career, he has a proven record of fostering enrollment growth and student success, strengthening campus research enterprises and expanding strategic and philanthropic partnerships.”

Nicklow was selected after a comprehensive, year-long search that involved trustees, faculty, staff, students, parents and alumni. The search committee held listening sessions before the national search opened and ultimately attracted 112 applicants. Once five finalists were identified, open community forums were held with each and campus comment was gathered through more than 400 surveys received and reviewed by the search committee.

“I want to thank the Florida Tech community for being engaged in the search,” Nicklow said. “The fact that you were so involved demonstrates to me that you are truly invested in this amazing institution. I hope you will maintain that level of engagement as we move forward to realize the vibrant future that I know is within our grasp. Working together, we’ll ensure that Florida Tech is all that it can and should be.”

Nicklow said the entire campus community must work together so that Florida Tech is increasingly a place where students want to be by ensuring they have the best college experience possible.

“I believe Florida Tech is at an inflection point, and that presents a wonderful opportunity for the university,” Nicklow said. “My vision is to make Florida Tech the top choice for students interested in STEM fields from all over the state, nation and world. To achieve that, we must continue Florida Tech’s excellent academic and research prowess and attract top-notch faculty and staff. This will also help us become the preferred partner for businesses, industry and government.”

“I’m thrilled for Florida Tech and the larger community that the board of trustees has selected as its new president Dr. John Nicklow. He brings with him a superb record of accomplishment as a higher education administrator, and an equally impressive philosophy of leadership,” said Robert King, Florida Tech’s interim president. “Dr. Nicklow has demonstrated himself to be the kind of leader who listens to diverse perspectives, carefully assesses a situation and then takes decisive action. I look forward to working closely with him as he makes the transition into the Florida Tech and Melbourne community. He will be a great asset to both.”

Nicklow joined the University of New Orleans in 2015 first serving as provost and vice president for academic affairs before being named president in 2016. Prior to his eight years at the University of New Orleans, he served as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Southern Illinois University, as well as earlier administrative appointments including chief enrollment officer and leadership positions in the College of Engineering and Department of Civil Engineering at that institution.

Nicklow’s research interests focus on advancement of STEM education and on optimization of environmental and water resources systems. He has published more than 75 articles and is the author of four books. He is a registered professional engineer, a certified professional hydrologist, a fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a diplomate of the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers.

Nicklow has been active in the New Orleans community, as well. He has participated in many local and regional nonprofit and economic development organizations including GNO, Inc., the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, the Business Council of New Orleans, the New Orleans Business Alliance, the Louisiana Committee of 100, the Rotary Club of New Orleans, and the board of directors of Benjamin Franklin High School. He serves as chairman of the Greater New Orleans Higher Education Consortium.

A native of western Pennsylvania, Nicklow earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. in civil engineering from Arizona State University. He has been inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, and he is a recent recipient of the NCAA Champion of Diversity Award. He began his career as an environmental engineering officer with the U.S. Public Health Service. He and his wife, Stacy Nicklow, have one son, Ethan.

“Florida Tech is a university with a proud past and a very bright future,” Nicklow said. “Together, we will accomplish great things, and Stacy and I cannot wait to get started.”

Chair, Florida Tech Board of Trustees
Chair, Search Committee

"Dr. Nicklow’s leadership success as a sitting president at the University of New Orleans, his extensive background in academics and research, as well as his approach to teamwork and collaboration will all be assets to Florida Tech. Throughout his 25-year career, he has a proven record of fostering enrollment growth and student success, strengthening campus research enterprises and expanding strategic and philanthropic partnerships."

Interim President, Florida Tech

"I’m thrilled for Florida Tech and the larger community that the Board of Trustees has selected as its new President Dr. John Nicklow. He brings with him a superb record of accomplishment as a higher education administrator, and an equally impressive philosophy of leadership. Dr. Nicklow has demonstrated himself to be the kind of leader who listens to diverse perspectives, carefully assesses a situation and then takes decisive action. I look forward to working closely with him as he makes the transition into the Florida Tech and Melbourne community. He will be a great asset to both."

EVP and Chief Digital Officer, Health First
Member, Florida Tech Board of Trustees

"I am very pleased to personally welcome Dr. John Nicklow to our business community as the new president of Florida Tech. I am most impressed with Dr. Nicklow’s commitment to fully engage and partner with the Melbourne area businesses and participate in local business and economic development organizations. His strategy to grow externally funded research and development activities through increased government and commercial awards will both expand university revenue and further solidify Florida Tech’s engineering reputation."

Vice President of Engineering, Northrop Grumman
Vice-Chair, Florida Tech Board of Trustees & Search Committee Vice-Chair

"As a university Board of Trustees member who has been involved in every element of this search, I have every confidence that Dr. John Nicklow will lead Florida Institute of Technology well into its next chapter. Florida Tech has a long-standing history of success and Dr. Nicklow’s background lends itself to the continuation of this university’s bright future."

Dean, College of Engineering and Science, Florida Tech
Search Advisory Committee Member

"As a sitting president and CEO of a major university, Dr. Nicklow has the ideal experience and skills to lead Florida Tech. He excelled at the University of New Orleans, particularly in the areas of advancement, marketing, improving student retention, and increasing diversity. He is a fantastic communicator and I loved hearing how he built relationships with the mayor, city council, regional business leaders, and other constituents. I was particularly impressed by his initiatives to boost externally funded research. I predict that Florida Tech will soar to great heights with Dr. Nicklow at the helm."

Director of Aviation Services, VHB
Alumni Board Chair & Search Advisory Committee Member

"Congratulations to Dr. Nicklow on being selected as the next President of Florida Tech! I had the honor of being part of the interview team and believe him to be an exceptionally knowledgeable and confident individual with a lot of experience in all facets of university leadership. His ideas on how to move the university forward through enhancing partnerships, relationships and sound business planning is exactly what our university needs. His enthusiasm, energy and big picture thinking will take us to that next level!"

Faculty, Florida Tech
Member of Academic Freedom & Tenure Committee
Member of Search Advisory Committee

"Dr. John Nicklow demonstrated the ability to boost the visibility of his university, expand the student enrollment and research expenditure, build relationship with local and national stakeholders, and successfully lead the major fundraising campaign. These experiences prepared him to succeed in a new university."

Associate Director for Campus Dining, Florida Tech
Past Chair of Staff Advisory Committee & Search Advisory Committee Member

"Dr. Nicklow is exactly who we need at Florida Tech to provide leadership, build a common vision and launch us into the future. His energetic attitude, passion for learning and engaging personality will invigorate our campus and the local community. I am very excited to be a part of it!"

Assistant Professor, Florida Tech
Member of Deans and Faculty Campus Visit Team

"Dr. John Nicklow is a powerhouse. He has done his research on Florida Tech's facts and figures before coming to visit us, showing he was truly serious about potentially working here. He has a great presence that makes people want to hear what he has to say. He also gave great answers to the questions that were asked, focusing on what is good for the institution instead of what individual members wanted to hear. Over the past few years, he has significantly increased the research expenditures at his current institution, and he clearly knows how to make faculty members more productive in research. Furthermore, he mentioned creating a master plan, which is great since having a plan is halfway to achieving success. Finally, I also liked that he and his wife are willing to be present and to get involved with the community – this shows they are invested in making this university a better place."

Student, Florida Tech
Student Government President

"Upon meeting Dr. Nicklow, I knew he would be an incredible fit for Florida Tech and someone who could bring the university to new heights. Dr. Nicklow placed an importance on DEI, expanding research, increasing the endowment, maintaining an active presence on campus, transparency, strategic planning, and maintaining an open door policy, which I think are just the things that the university is looking for coming out of our COVID era and finding our new normal. I am extremely excited to see all of the incredible things that Dr. Nicklow will bring to our university."