Indiana State University is pleased to announce the appointments of Samantha (Sam) Nikolai as Associate Provost for Online Education and Dr. Sean Wernert-Eighmy as Associate Provost for Student Success and Advising. These strategic hires align with the University’s ongoing commitment to expanding its online education offerings and enhancing the student advising experience for all Sycamores. Both Associate Provosts will serve as key components of the Academic Affairs leadership team.
Associate Provost for Online Education
In this role, Nikolai will oversee the strategic development, expansion, and delivery of Indiana State’s online programs, collaborating with faculty and staff to provide high-quality virtual learning experiences for students.
Samantha (Sam) Nikolai is an accomplished higher education professional passionate about expanding access to quality education through strategic innovation, technology integration, and cross-industry partnerships. She joins Indiana State University from the University of North Texas (UNT), where she played a pivotal role in transforming online and professional education.
During her tenure at UNT, Nikolai spearheaded major initiatives, including the launch of at-scale online undergraduate programs, efforts that saw significant enrollment growth and hundreds of graduates within their first five years. She also expanded UNT’s non-credit continuing education programs, forging partnerships with leading organizations such as JPMorgan Chase, Toyota, Liberty Mutual, the Dallas Cowboys, and American Airlines.
Her leadership in technology implementation—such as the launch of UNT’s virtual student union platform - Talon to Talon —has enhanced student engagement, increased persistence rates, and fostered digital community-building. She also contributed to policies for credit for prior learning, non-degree admissions pathways, and virtual global internships. Through her strategic approach to program development and student success, Nikolai consistently bridges the gap between higher education and industry needs, positioning her to lead Indiana State’s continued growth in online education.
Nikolai holds a B.Ed. in Education and Teaching from the University of Evansville and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Texas.
“I am delighted to welcome Sam Nikolai to the Sycamore family,” said Dr. Christopher J. Olsen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “She brings a wealth of experience and an impressive track record of leadership in distance education. I’m excited to partner with her to define, refine, and expand the reach of Indiana State’s online presence. Her work in program assessment, corporate relations, student success, and campus and faculty collaboration are particularly impressive, and her record and vision resonated with campus stakeholders. It’s exciting to start a new era for Indiana State’s online education programs.”
Nikolai shared her excitement for her new role: "I am honored to join the Indiana State University community and excited to build upon the incredible work happening in online education here. Thank you to the Provost and the search committee for entrusting me with this role. The university’s commitment to innovation and student success is truly energizing. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to expand opportunities and enhance the online learning experience for Sycamores near and far.”
Associate Provost for Student Success and Advising
As the Associate Provost for Student Success and Advising, Dr. Sean-Wernert-Eighmy will lead a comprehensive advising strategy, strengthening the quality of advising and support services to improve student outcomes further. He will also help coordinate university-wide student success initiatives and chair the Student Success Council.
Dr. Wernert-Eighmy joins Indiana State University from Colorado State University, where he served as the Director of University Academic Advising & Advocacy. In that role, he provided strategic planning, assessment, and oversight of university-wide advising training, professional development, outreach, advocacy initiatives, and advising technology tools. Before this role, he served as Director of Advising at CSU.
Previously, Dr. Wernert-Eighmy served as a professional faculty member in the University of Notre Dame’s First Year of Studies, where he advised first-year students, directed the ND Ignite engagement initiative, and managed foreign language and mathematics credit exams. He also worked as an academic advisor, admissions representative, and instructor at Owens State Community College in Toledo, Ohio. In addition, he contributed to curriculum development at Notre Dame’s interdisciplinary minor in Education, Schooling, and Society, and served as an adjunct faculty member in Owens’s Department of Developmental Education.
Dr. Wernert-Eighmy holds a B.A. in English Literature and Peace Studies from Xavier University, an M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Toledo, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology.
“It's incredibly exciting to welcome Dr. Sean Wernert-Eighmy to Indiana State,” said Provost Olsen. “He brings an impressive record of success and leadership from Colorado State University. Sean’s expertise in advising development, strategic enrollment, and student success initiatives will be pivotal as we transition to a re-envisioned, four-year advising model that builds on our recent Project Success efforts.”
Dr. Wernert-Eighmy said, “I am truly honored and excited to join the Indiana State University family. This is a pivotal time to support our students and positively advance student success initiatives. I am grateful to Provost Olsen for this opportunity and look forward to collaborating with the dedicated faculty and staff to enhance the student experience and drive lasting success."
Both Associate Provost Nikolai and Associate Provost Wernert-Eighmy will begin their appointments in mid-to-late spring, with Nikolai starting in mid-March and Wernert-Eighmy joining full-time a few weeks later.