Providence, RI—Nick Figueroa Jr. has been named the next Executive Director of College Visions, effective July 24, 2017. The announcement follows a six-month national search by executive search firm Ligature Partners following the announcement of founding Executive Director Simon Moore that he would step down.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nick as the new Executive Director of College Visions. With his proven record of leadership, professional experience working with first-generation college students, deep connections to the communities in which College Visions works, and his own experience as a first-generation college student, we could not ask for a better candidate. “We look forward to Nick’s leadership as College Visions continues to grow and innovate” Tim Monroe, Chair of the College Visions Board of Directors, said. “We would also like to thank Simon for 13 years of dedicated service—without Simon there would be no College Visions. He leaves a thriving organization that has supported 250 low-income, first-generation students to earn college degrees.”
“I am extremely excited and honored to have the opportunity to serve our students in a way that will create greater access to higher education, which in the end not only strengthens the individual but also the community and ultimately our entire state. I am fortunate to inherit a dynamic and passionate staff dedicated to the mission of College Visions,” stated Figueroa. He comes to College Visions from City Year Providence, where he served as Regional Admissions Director for the Northeast, and he is also an adjunct faculty member at Roger Williams University and the Community College of Rhode Island. Figueroa has extensive experience in the field of higher education, including previous positions at Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Framingham State University and Assistant Dean of Enrollment Services at the Community College of Rhode Island. He also serves on the board of the Paul Cuffee Charter School, and was previously a member of the Rhode Island State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
Figueroa holds a BS in public administration from Roger Williams University, and a MA in education from the University of Rhode Island.
Thank you to Ligature Partners for their generous pro bono work on this search.
____________________
About College Visions
Founded in 2004 with 10 students, College Visions empowers low-income, first-generation students to enroll, persist in, and graduate from college. The organization works with 350 students from 12th grade through college graduation. In 2016, 100% of College Visions 12th graders enrolled in college directly after high school. College Visions provides support to students throughout college, and an impressive 65% of College Visions students earn a degree within 6 years of college enrollment, compared to the national average of 21% for low-income, first-generation students.
For College Visions alumni such as Kevin Pajaro, the organization provides the essential investment that leads to a college degree, a milestone that provides young people with the opportunity to achieve dreams and give back. “As both a high school and college student, College Visions has given me an undying amount of support that still carries on to this day. I was, and fortunately still am, part of a community that genuinely cares about my success. Their investment in me never wavered.” Kevin is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and is currently pursuing a MA in education at Michigan State University.
For more information visit www.collegevisions.org or call 401-490-3996
