Shelley Clark Nickel, ’78 Health and Human Development, ’82 M.P.A., is a strategic policy adviser leading state higher education systems and institutions to plan and execute complex initiatives, including consolidations and enterprise-wide solutions. Her experience was primarily gained in Georgia, both in state government and as an executive in the University System of Georgia, which now includes the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Her focus remains on providing students a pathway for successful completion of their higher education goals.

Shelley attributes much of her professional success to the educational experience she gained at Penn State. She holds both a master of public administration degree and a bachelor of science degree in Community Development from the University. Shelley also gained an immeasurable amount of knowledge and courage from mentors who guided her path.