Nyk Robertson, who has served as the associate director of TRIO Student Support Services at Emporia State since 2019, has accepted the position of ESU interim senior director of diversity, beginning Aug. 8.
Robertson is an ESU alum who graduated in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in English creative writing. After earning a master’s degree in gender and cultural studies from Simmons College in Boston, Robertson worked at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania as assistant director of the intercultural center, associate director of gender and sexuality initiatives and interim director of the intercultural center. In 2019, Robertson returned to ESU and also began a doctoral program at Kansas State University in student counseling and development.
Since returning to ESU in 2019, Robertson has served on the University Diversity and Inclusion Alliance and other campus committees, been a presenter at various conferences and provided training at ESU and around the country.
“Those who have had the pleasure of working with Nyk understand Nyk’s professionalism, leadership ability, talent and passion for ESU and our students,” said ESU President Allison D. Garrett. “With Nyk’s leadership, we will continue to build a campus environment that supports all of our students, faculty and staff.”
Said Robertson: “Emporia State is where I discovered my passion for diversity work as an undergraduate. I am honored to return to campus as a professional and to be able to impact the policies, procedures and culture for our students, faculty and staff.
“Since arriving on campus, I have experienced ESU's commitment to building a campus environment that is welcoming and affirming to all. I am excited to be an active part of further executing that commitment.”