Drew Nichols joins NES with 17 years of enrollment management experience complemented by several years of executive search experience in higher education. As a seasoned senior search consultant, Drew is recognized for his depth of enrollment knowledge, broad understanding of the higher education marketplace, along with his skill in working with campus partners. He offers integrity and high standards in each endeavor.

Beginning his career in the Office of Admission at St. Edward’s University in Texas, Drew quickly realized his passion for admission and enrollment management. Over his tenure there, Drew held varying roles including Director of Freshman Admission and Dean of Admission. He served the university during a time of consistent enrollment growth, helping St. Edward’s to expand its reach and reputation while fulfilling its mission to serve traditionally underserved students. Among his biggest accomplishments was managing the team responsible for enrolling the largest freshman class in university history and mentoring a talented staff that continues to make their own mark in the field of college admissions.

Eager for a new challenge, Drew became the inaugural Director of Admissions for Master of Science Programs at McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. There, Drew worked to build a team, develop and operationalize processes, improve data integrity, integrate a marketing plan and approach admission and recruiting through a strategic lens. He developed effective relationships with faculty, built sustainable recruitment pipelines and oversaw the recruitment of students for numerous master’s level programs.

In 2023, Drew joined a national executive search firm, working on searches across the higher education enterprise, including positions for university presidents, provosts, deans, and directors. He succeeded in finding well qualified and successful leaders for both academic and administrative leadership roles. As a seasoned executive search consultant, he is eager to focus on searches in enrollment management, marketing, admission and financial aid, drawing upon his expertise, wide network, and passion for enrollment management.

Drew has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Edward’s University and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. He lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, two daughters, and a shaggy wheaten terrier, and in his free time, he enjoys travel, the outdoors, seeing live music, and playing guitar.