Dr. Nies is the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. He has responsibility for areas that create an engaged campus life and that foster student learning outside of the classroom

He has worked in higher education for over 25 years in a variety of roles. He was the dean of students at a small private college, a program director for a minor in leadership studies, and an assistant dean of an interdisciplinary school at a large public university. As an instructor, he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership theory, organizational theory, student development, and social identity development. He has served as a consultant to a number of universities, non-profit organizations, and public agencies.
His area of research is leadership and social change.

Dr. Nies earned his B.A. degree from the University of St. Thomas as a double major in psychology and theology. He received a M.A. degree in counseling psychology and a Ph.D. in educational leadership/leadership theory from Washington State University UC Representative