Charles Nies has worn many hats in his career as a university administrator – much of which has included working at UC Merced from its early years.
Now, he’ll serve in the top leadership role at a university more than 2,000 miles away from the Valley.
Nies has accepted a new position as chancellor at University of Minnesota Duluth, according to a UC Merced press release.
Nies, UC Merced vice chancellor for student affairs, has served at UC Merced for 18 years. In 2006, he served as the dean of students and associate vice chancellor.
Before coming to the University of California, Nies worked in various administrative positions at other universities including as an assistant dean at Miami University in Ohio and a program director at Washington State University.
Nies has also taught various courses as an instructor in leadership theory, organizational theory, student development and social identity development, the release said.
In total, Nies has worked in higher education for more than 25 years.
His wife, Emily Langdon has also worked at UC Merced for 14 years. She worked as the coordinator of assessment, evaluation and research for the division of student affairs in 2010 before becoming an instructor of management and business economics in 2016.
Nies, a native to Minnesota, earned his undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota and achieved a doctorate from Washington State University.
Nies will assume his new position as chancellor July 1.