Office Address
420 Washington Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
United States
Nikki Letawsky Shultz
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and International Programs
Student Services
Pronouns
she/her/hers
Life before CBS
I worked with student organizations and leadership at Cornell University and for the Government of Alberta in post-secondary education planning. I figured out in undergrad that I could work professionally with college students and haven't looked back!
Adjusting to college life
As a first-generation college student, I felt both ready for college and completely out of place... it took some time to find my way. I was fortunate to find a great group of women in my sorority and got involved in student government. I also figured out I preferred to study in the library than in my room!
Favorite part of the job
The students! Our students are thoughtful, curious, and want to use science to improve our world. In spring 2021, I taught a class in which we listened to science podcasts and considered how to have better conversations about science... It's one of my favorite CBS experiences because of the amazing students!
Current passions, hobbies, things that give you joy
I love hiking in the Canadian Rockies with my family. Being outdoors, watching Marvel content with my boys, playing with our pandemic puppy (a mini-Australian Shepherd named Skye) and traveling are some of my favorite things to do. And I'm loving the show Ted Lasso!
Be on the lookout for
Some mentos from international trips and pictures from CBS students who studied abroad in Galapagos in my office!
Learn more
Learn more
Education and background
I attended the University of Alberta in Canada (yes, I'm Canadian!) for my undergraduate degree, Bowling Green State University (Ohio) for my masters, and the University of Minnesota for my PhD. I'm a proud Gopher!
Awards
2022, College of Biological Sciences, John S. Anderson Leadership Award
2017, University of Minnesota, President's Award for Outstanding Service
2016, University of Minnesota, Access Achievement Award
Student affairs leadership
2021, NASPA 4E Regional Board Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
2020-2021, NASPA 4E Regional Board Member
2019-2020, NASPA 4E Regional Mid-Level Institute Chair
2015-2019, NASPA 4E Regional Advisory Board Member,
2018, NASPA 4E Regional Conference Co-Chair
2017, NASPA 4E Regional Conference Programs Co-Chair
2015-2017, NASPA 4E Regional Advisory Board & New Professionals Institute Chair
Presentations
2023, UMN Focusing on Student Success Conference, Use of SERU Results to Measure and Enhance the Student Experience
2019, NASPA Conference, Best Practices for Inclusive Recruiting and Hiring Processes
2018, NASPA Conference, Stuck in the Middle with U
2017, UMN Focusing on Student Success Conference, Freshman Seminars Abroad: A Bridge to Being Global Ready
2016, NASPA Conference, The Room Where it Happens: How Decisions are Made
2016, NASPA Conference, Factors that Influence the Career Adaptability of Division I Student-Athletes
2016, NACADA Conference, Factors that Influence the Career Adaptability of Division I Student-Athletes (Student-Athlete Commission Sponsored program)
2016, NACADA Conference, Supporting the Career Development of Student-Athletes through Career Construction Theory
2016, NAFSA Conference, Global Learning in STEM Education: Preparing Students to Succeed
2016, UMN Internationalizing the Curriculum and Campus Conference, Freshman Seminars Abroad: A Bridge to Being Global Ready
2015, NASPA Conference, Pitch Perfect: Setting the Tone for Family Partnerships
2015, NACADA Conference, Factors that Influence the Career Adaptability of Division I Student-Athletes