The former executive director of the Board of Regents has come to Iowa State to report directly to President Gregory Geoffroy in a newly created position.

Gregory Nichols, who resigned from the Regents on Aug. 5 after three and a half years as executive director, will be the first to serve as special assistant to Geoffroy while completing his doctoral dissertation in the Educational Leadership Policy Studies department.

Geoffroy said Iowa State would pay 40 percent — or $52,000 — of his $130,000 salary. The Board will pay the remaining amount.

Regents President Michael Gartner said Nichols will have three primary responsibilities in his new position, including lecturing in ELPS, earning his doctorate degree and conducting research for Regents universities.

Geoffroy said Nichols is responsible for Regents-wide policy work, as well as policy analysis, student retention and enrollment research. Gartner said Nichols will also focus on tuition policy and successful transitions for graduates to the workforce.

“I came to Iowa State because I have some experience that will be helpful in moving Iowa State forward,” Nichols said. “My primary focus will be on the administrative, research and educational needs of Iowa State.”

Nichols said adequate funding is required by the state and the university so students can better predict their educational costs.

“It takes creative tuition policy to allow students to compete well in the marketplace,” Nichols said.

Warren Madden, vice president for business and finance at Iowa State, said Nichols is well-suited to focus on research at Iowa State since he will not have to address responsibilities of his former position. He said Nichols will have a one-year commitment to finish his doctorate and conduct research.

Gartner said Nichols brings tremendous experience to his new position.

During his tenure on the Board, the legislative body witnessed several changes, including three new presidents, five new regents and several funding reductions from state legislators to Regent institutions.

“Having an individual who chronicled change is extremely valuable to the enterprise,” said Amir Arbisser, Regent from Davenport.

Although Nichols will be located at Iowa State, Arbisser said his expertise would remain an asset in education policy for all Regents institutions. Nichols understands the policy and direction sought by the Regents universities, Arbisser said.

“This opportunity, for me, is going to broaden my experience in administration and teaching,” Nichols said.