Nicholas

Cornell Cooperative Extension New York City (CUCE-NYC) recently welcomed Karen Nicholas to its staff as the Engaged Cornell NYC liaison.

Nicholas’ work will involve expanding the capacity and interest of Cornell faculty and students to develop and enhance community-engaged scholarship and teaching efforts involving New York City communities, organizations and residents.

The Engaged Cornell initiative is aimed at preparing Cornell students to become citizens who will enrich their communities.

“Karen has encouraged and inspired young people to achieve academically, take advantage of opportunities and use their talents to create unique opportunities for themselves,” said CUCE-NYC Executive Director Jennifer Tiffany.

For more than 20 years, Nicholas has been involved with mentoring young people and with spearheading education initiatives, such as the Higher Education Opportunities Unlimited organization. She has served as executive director of the Educational Advancement Alliance, which provides educational information, programs, activities and resources for underrepresented students, in particular those in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

Nicholas serves on the board of the National Alliance for African American Athletes, an organization that encourages, promotes and assists young men in achieving academic and athletic excellence; is a member of the Pink Ribbon Patient Committee, which mentors breast cancer patients; and has received several awards recognizing her commitment to community service.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance management from Lincoln University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Rowan University.

Kritika Kulshrestha is a communications assistant at Cornell Cooperative Extension New York City