Nichole Dorton
Richmond
Summary
Collaborative student affairs professional committed to fostering student engagement and belonging through student-centered, inclusive leadership and cross-campus partnerships. Proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders in fast-paced, student-focused environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of International Educational Studies Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
06.2023 - Current
- Facilitated cultural programs and engagement opportunities that fostered cross-cultural learning, community building, and student belonging within the School of Education
- Provided comprehensive logistical, advising, and ongoing support to international students and scholars, enhancing their academic and co-curricular experience.
- Developed and sustained academic partnerships and high-quality short-term programs that expanded experiential and global learning opportunities for students.
- Designed and implemented new operational processes and procedures that improved efficiency, communication, and service delivery within the center.
- Supervised and mentored student workers, effectively delegating responsibilities and cultivating a collaborative, student-centered team environment.
Student Engagement & Programming Manager
Virginia Commonwealth University
01.2014 - 06.2023
- Advised international students on cultural adjustment, academic expectations, and U.S. standards of academic integrity, providing holistic support that promoted student success and well-being.
- Designed and delivered instructional programming for international students and domestic students to strengthen intercultural communication, global awareness, and cross-cultural understanding.
- Planned and executed comprehensive international student orientations and welcome events that supported transition, community building, and early engagement.
- Collaborated with campus colleagues and community leaders to develop new partnerships and strengthen existing programs that enhanced student engagement and intercultural learning.
- Expanded participation in the Conversation Partner and Friendship Family & Cultural Exchange programs through strategic recruitment and training of committed, qualified volunteers.
- Supervised student interns and hourly staff, providing ongoing training, coaching, and feedback to strengthen advising capacity and service delivery.
- Implemented structured lesson plans and assessed learning outcomes for students enrolled in the Globe program to support continuous improvement.
- Administered the university’s international student health insurance program, ensuring compliance, clear communication, and responsive student support.
Education
Master of Counselor Education - College Student Development
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia12.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Government
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, Virginia05.2012
Skills
- Student Engagement Strategy & Programming
- Experiential & Global Learning Engagement
- Orientation, Transition, & Retention Programs
- Collaborative Program Design & Implementation
- Cross-Cultural & Intercultural Community Building
- Partnership development
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
- Dorton, N., & Hahn, H. (2014). Hi, hello, to friendship: How to help our students become intercultural communicators. Presented at VA TESOL, Farmville, VA.
- Dorton, N., Lavenir, T., & Young, Sarah. (2016). Maximizing the talents of your student body to improve the international experience. Presented at the NAFSA Regional Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
- Dudley, S., George, N., Hill, A., McNerny, R. & Murphy, J. (2017). A global perspective on advising international and other English language learner students. Presented at Making Advising Real: The Art of Advising, Richmond, VA.
- Dorton, N. (2021). Collaborate. Support. Engage. Student Services Career Community Conference. Richmond, VA.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
- GLED 101: Introduction to Globe
- Instructor
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Taught semester course that was designed to introduce students to the conceptual foundations of global education and global citizenship
Timeline
Assistant Director of International Educational Studies Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
06.2023 - Current
Student Engagement & Programming Manager
Virginia Commonwealth University
01.2014 - 06.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Government
College of William and Mary
Master of Counselor Education - College Student Development
Virginia Commonwealth University