Patricia Nichols has been named director of the University’s Center for Career Development and Employability Training (CCDET). Having served as the CCDET interim director since September 2008, she assumes the responsibilities of Byron Malsin, who retired from the position.

“Pat has excellent mediation, training and facilitation skills, and the leadership expertise to provide sound direction and continuity to CCDET,” said Tom Sonnleitner, vice chancellor for administrative services. “Her service as CCDET’s operations manager, contract liaison, training program coordinator and trainer will provide her with invaluable experience in her role as CCDET director.”

Nichols began her association with the University in 1990 as a limited term employee. In 1997 she became an outreach specialist in CCDET. She is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Mediators and is a Volunteer Mediator at the Winnebago Conflict Resolution Center. She is also a member of the Resolution Center’s Board.

Nichols has been instrumental in securing CCDET’s outreach contracts with state agencies, such as the Department of Health and Family Services and the Department of Workforce Development, and with Winnebago County. She has also been instrumental in securing federal grants with AmeriCorps and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Elected to the UW Oshkosh Senate of Academic Staff in 2006-2009, Nichols served as secretary in 2007-09.