Oct. 16, 2006 -- Nicole F. Hurd, who created U.Va.’s College Guides program to help high school students who might not otherwise go to college, will now oversee and advise the program on a national level as director for higher education initiatives at the National College Access Network.
 
Hurd, who had been assistant dean and director for the Center for Undergraduate Excellence until Oct.6, will continue to work part-time for the University directing its College Guide program, which is being used as a model for eight programs the Cooke Foundation is funding at $1 million each.

“Leaving the center is difficult, but helping direct a national program combating educational disparities in America is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Hurd said.

Hurd came to the University as a religious studies graduate student. She was later appointed assistant dean and director  of the Center for Undergraduate Excellence  to  oversee undergraduate research programming, national fellowships and scholarships. She has successfully advised students on the Rhodes, Truman, Marshall, Mitchell, Luce and Fulbright Scholarships and headed one of the nation's leading undergraduate research programs, with the development of the Harrison Undergraduate Research Awards and the creation of Oculus — the student-run undergraduate research journal. 

“Nicole has shown creativity and inspiring leadership at the center and in conceiving the guide program,” said J. Milton Adams, vice provost for academic programs. “Nicole’s dedication and hard work are in no small measure a key part of the center’s national reputation.”