Joshua Nichols

About

Josh Nichols is Director of Digital Process Improvement at Dickinson State University, reporting directly to the President. Since stepping into the role in 2025, he has led DSU’s campus-wide effort to modernize operations through AI, automation, and smarter digital workflows. He partners with departments to map processes and remove bottlenecks, guides the responsible adoption of generative AI tools, and leads training that helps employees make the most of new technologies.

Josh has served DSU since 2007. He began as Intake and Transition Coordinator for TRIO students, where he developed the people-first approach to process design that still guides his work. From 2013 to 2021, he led the university website through multiple redesigns and CMS migrations. His other roles at DSU have spanned marketing, creative services, esports, and university relations. As Marketing Specialist, he supported regional entrepreneurs through the Strom Center. As Creative Services Specialist, he produced design, video, and campaigns for the university brand. As Esports Coordinator, he built DSU’s esports program from the ground up. As Interim Director of University Relations, he led the university’s marketing and communications office.

Josh is a proud DSU alumnus with a B.S. in Computer Science (2007). As a student he was deeply involved in theatre, and DSU sparked his lifelong love of the arts. He served as Executive Director of Arts North Dakota from 2011 to 2017. Over the years he has been actively involved in the Dickinson community through the arts, local schools, and support for small businesses.

Connect: LinkedIn