Donna Nicol, Ph.D.

Donna Nicol, Ph.D., has been appointed dean of the College of Liberal Arts at California State University, Long Beach. For the past two years, Dr. Nicol has served as the college’s associate dean for personnel and curriculum. She has more than 20 years of experience within the California State University System, including prior faculty appointments with the Dominguez Hills and Fullerton campuses. Dr. Nicol’s research and teaching centers on history and politics of African American educational access with a focus on philanthropic foundations, university trustee boards, and African American women as faculty, university administrators, and educational activists.

“I am honored and humbled by this appointment, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our faculty, staff, students and Provost Scissum Gunn for entrusting me with this responsibility,” Nicol said. “I am committed to listening, leading with integrity and equity-mindedness, and ensuring that the College of Liberal Arts continues to be a place where every member of our community can thrive."

Dr. Nicol received her bachelor’s degree in history and African American studies from California State University, Fullerton, and her master’s degree in history from California State University, Long Beach. She holds a second master’s degree in educational policy and leadership and a Ph.D. in educational studies with a specialization in African American educational history from Ohio State University.