A journey of engagement at Ohio State
For Nicole Nieto, outreach and engagement is more than a title or an office name — it is central to her belief in the university’s land-grant mission.
“I heard a quote many years ago that still inspires me: ‘Talent is universal, opportunity is not,’” Nicole says. “There are smart, talented people everywhere, but not everyone has access to the resources they need to succeed. I believe that with opportunity comes the responsibility to make a positive impact. At Ohio State, we have that opportunity — so how can we use it to do good?”
Creating sustainable impact
Her belief underscores the vital role engaged scholarship plays in creating meaningful change.
“Engaged scholarship means building true partnerships where research is conducted with communities, rather than about them,” says Nicole. “We want to create real-world impact that is both reciprocal and sustainable.”
As assistant vice provost for outreach and engagement, Nicole puts this philosophy into practice. She’s not just creating opportunities for others — her efforts center on strengthening these partnerships to create lasting connections that make a real difference. Through her leadership, the Office of Outreach and Engagement(opens in new window) has expanded support by offering professional development, recognizing outstanding contributions through awards and grants, and building networks where scholars can refine their skills and deepen their community connections.
Nicole is particularly proud of new initiatives focused on graduate students who “want to know that their research makes a difference in communities.” These efforts include a dedicated community of practice, poster competitions to showcase students’ work, and grants that equip emerging scholars with the tools to engage meaningfully with communities.
Nicole also co-leads the newly created Engaged Scholars Academy(opens in new window), a cohort-based program for assistant and associate professors eager to deepen their expertise in community-engaged scholarship. Participants connect with experienced faculty and community partners and gain insights from national leaders advancing this work.
STEM outreach and Programs of Excellence
The Office of Outreach and Engagement also focuses on STEM outreach, partnering with the Ohio Academy of Science to host State Science Day each year and serving as the university lead for the International Science and Engineering Fair, which will bring 1,800 students from around the world to Columbus.
The office’s Programs of Excellence in Engaged Scholarship(opens in new window) annually recognizes up to 20 programs that exemplify meaningful community partnerships. These programs, which “demonstrate the impact being made with communities,” will be featured on an asset map developed in collaboration with the Center for Urban and Regional Analysis, providing a visual showcase of their positive influence.
Nicole’s journey: Finding community and leading with authenticity
Nicole’s journey at Ohio State began in 2005, and she reflects on how the university has shaped her both personally and professionally. “In many ways, I feel like I’ve grown up professionally here,” she says. Her career has spanned the Offices of Student Life, Human Resources, and Research before joining outreach and engagement in 2019. These experiences gave her a broad understanding of Ohio State and helped her build lasting relationships across the university.
Though Ohio State is one of the largest universities in the nation, Nicole describes it as a place where “you can build meaningful connections and work closely with people who inspire you.” These relationships, cultivated over 20 years, have been a source of encouragement and growth for her.
Nicole approaches leadership in the same way — by investing in authentic relationships and uplifting others.
“I want people I interact with to feel seen, to feel heard, to know that I care,” she says. She encourages others to build connections and demonstrates this by maintaining a trusted circle of colleagues she turns to for advice and collaboration. “If you want those types of relationships,” she emphasizes, “you have to invest in them.”
Her passion for empowering others is evident in her emphasis on recognizing potential and creating opportunity. “I feel very fortunate, and I want to pay forward as much as I can,” she says.
Through her work at Ohio State, she continues to create spaces where people feel valued, connected and empowered to make a difference.