December 2, 2024
Nicholson tapped to serve as inaugural executive director for faculty and staff well-being
Windy Nicholson, former executive director of student health and well-being services within the Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs, has transitioned to a new role with Human Resources as the executive director for faculty and staff well-being, effective today, Dec. 2.
As the inaugural executive director for faculty and staff well-being, Nicholson will play a pivotal role in advancing the university's strategic commitment to holistic health and well-being for all employees, leading initiatives that will allow all members of the university community to engage in proactive wellness practices and activities.
"We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Nicholson into this inaugural leadership role," said Shanna Legleiter, chief human resources officer. "By establishing a well-being vision for our faculty and staff, Ms. Nicholson will serve to broaden K-State's impact as a health-promoting university and next-generation land-grant university, fostering a university environment where all employees can thrive, contribute meaningfully and feel valued."
In her new role, Nicholson will provide strategic leadership and vision by developing and implementing a comprehensive well-being strategy for faculty and staff. Additionally, she will be charged to design, develop and oversee programs, services and resources that address all dimensions of well-being, including mental, physical, social and financial health. Furthermore, she will build critical partnerships both within and beyond the university to drive K-State's culture of well-being.
"I am honored to take on these new responsibilities for our university and shine a light on faculty and staff well-being," Nicholson said. "My passion has always been to help both individuals and organizations enhance their well-being services, and this new role provides an opportunity to build programs and resources from the ground up and make an incredible impact for our faculty and staff."
Prior to joining K-State in 2023 as the executive director of student health and well-being services, Nicholson served as director of client operations for Premise Health, where she worked to identify processes to improve overall performance of health centers, defining the measurements of performance standards that would drive those efforts. Prior to her tenure with Premise Health, she served in a similar role for CareHere LLC as director of clinical services and client operations, as well as a clinical operations manager for Cigna HealthSpring. Her career began with wellness focused positions where she advanced the daily operations of wellness and public health programs for Church Health Center and Friends for Life, both in Memphis, Tennessee.
Nicholson earned her Bachelor of Science in health and safety education from the University of Memphis. She also holds a Master of Public Health and Master of Business Administration, both from Walden University. She is also currently a doctoral candidate in public health epidemiology, also from Walden University.
Nicholson's appointment in this new role leaves a vacancy in her former role in the Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs as executive director of student health and well-being services. Kathleen Hatch, associate vice president for student well-being, will be providing additional support to Nicholson's former portfolio, which includes Lafene Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Morrison Family Center for Student Well-being, and Cats' Cupboard, until a national search is completed. The search is anticipated to begin in early spring 2025.