by Stacy Quillen
Nickawanna "Nicki" Shaw began her career in education immediately after graduating with her bachelor's degree in composition and performance studies from Mount Holyoke College.
In fact, the Irvine resident started working as the assistant women's track coach for her alma matter just months after completing her undergraduate studies. She later went on to serve as the assistant women's track coach and a group fitness instructor / personal trainer for Smith College.
Even after earning her master's degree in exercise and sports studies from Smith College, Shaw continued to work in the educational arena. She served as the assistant men's and women's track and cross country coach for Bowdoin College, assistant director of residence life at Columbia University, personal trainer in the physical education department at Columbia, group fitness instructor at Barnard College, complex coordinator
of residence life at the University of California at Irvine, and as an adjunct faculty member at East Los Angeles College.
Now, Shaw is the newest member of the Citrus College Physical Education Department and will begin her first year as the head women's cross country and track and field coach on August 14.
"The position at Citrus as a faculty member would allow me to use both my background in athletics as well as my experience working within a large educational institution to be a positive change agent for our student population," she says.
Shaw is excited to join the Citrus College family and is looking forward to contributing to the work of her department.
"I can serve as a well-rounded role model for students," she said. "My position requires that I be well-versed in my field as well as capable to coach/lead developing student-athletes. My background has prepared me for both of these larger aspects of my role as a new faculty member in the PE department."
Citrus College is a public community college located in Glendora, California. Founded in 1915, the college serves more than 12,000 students each fall and spring semester.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 10, 2006
FURTHER INFORMATION: STACY QUILLEN (626) 857-4082