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Nicole Hurd

Founder and CEO, College Advising Corps

Nicole Hurd is an accomplished academic and leader in the field of college access. She is the Founder and CEO of the College Advising Corps (CAC), which is recognized as the largest college access program in the United States. The CAC aims to assist low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented high school students in navigating the complexities of higher education, from application processes to financial aid.13

Education and Early Career

Hurd was born in 1970 and attended Marlborough School in Los Angeles. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame, followed by a master's degree from Georgetown University and a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia.13 Her career began at the University of Virginia, where she served as Assistant Dean and Director of the Center for Undergraduate Excellence. It was during this time that she initiated the College Guide Program, which later evolved into the CAC.25

College Advising Corps

Founded in 2005, CAC has significantly impacted college enrollment among underrepresented populations, helping over 300,000 students enroll in higher education. The program places near-peer advisers in high schools across the country, enhancing students' likelihood of applying to college by 18% and securing scholarships by 24%.17 Hurd's leadership has garnered numerous accolades, including recognition as a White House Champion of Change for College Opportunity in 2016 and being named one of Time Magazine's Top 31 People Changing the South in 2018.36

Leadership at Lafayette College

In addition to her role at CAC, Nicole Hurd became the 18th president of Lafayette College on July 1, 2021. She is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment that prioritizes educational equity.27 Hurd continues to advocate for students' access to higher education through her leadership roles and public speaking engagements.

Personal Life

Nicole lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her husband Bill and their two children. She remains active in higher education discussions and initiatives aimed at improving college access for all students.14

Highlights

Jan 1 · wm.edu
Nicole F. Hurd | Conference on Higher Education and Social Mobility
Nicole Hurd - Milken Institute
May 19 · insidehighered.com
Lafayette Taps College Access Program Leader as President

Related Questions

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How has the College Advising Corps impacted students' college enrollment rates?
What are some of the challenges Nicole Hurd has faced in leading the College Advising Corps?
How did Nicole Hurd's background in Religious Studies influence her career in higher education?
What awards and recognitions has Nicole Hurd received for her work in college access?
Nicole Hurd
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Location

Chapel Hill, North Carolina