NAU - Student Affairs Staff

Sarah L. Bickel
Interim Vice President
Student Affairs

Dr. Sarah Bickel has served as Interim Vice President and later Associate Provost for Student Affairs at Northern Arizona University since May of 1994. She received her Ph.D. in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of Northern Colorado in 1980. Prior to her appointment to her current position at NAU, she worked in both public and private, as well as 2-year and doctoral-level institutions. Her previous positions include resident hall director, counselor, coordinator of admissions, assistant dean of students, dean of students, assistant and associate director of educational support programs. She served as associated and adjunct faculty in the department of Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies and is currently an associated faculty with the Center for Excellence in Education, serving on dissertation committees and teaching for the graduate department of Educational Psychology. Noted accomplishments of the Student Affairs units during her term have been: a significant increase in the number and quality of collaborations with academic units, the development of a comprehensive assessment process, improved technological support for units, an increasing rate of student satisfaction with University food service, the residential experience, and health services; and a consistent focus on the promotion of student success throughout Student Affairs. Dr. Bickel has been active in state and national professional organizations. In recent years she has presented at regional, national and international conferences. Her presentation topics include: the importance of staff debriefing following a campus crisis, student services for the distance learner, the residential experience and its potential in the future of higher education, and the evaluation process for senior staff. Dr. Bickel has maintained an interest in university athletics since her days as a collegiate swimmer for Texas Christian University. (Texas Women's Champion in 50 and 200-yard freestyle). She enjoys snow skiing, hiking, water sports, and being in remote locations with her active family. She jogs for her sanity! If asked, she will tell you… She loves her job