Julie Hughes, director of communications, institutional relations and equal opportunity for the Auraria Higher Education Center, is planning to retire later this year after 29 years on campus. Barb Weiske, vice president for operations, has selected Interim Division Director for Student and Auxiliary Services Blaine Nickeson to replace her.

Over the next six months, Hughes and Nickeson will work together to ease the transition, Weiske said. Nickeson will remain interim division director while a national search for the position is conducted.

Nickeson holds a master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Colorado State University and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Washington. He has previously worked in residence life, judicial affairs and with local law enforcement in Colorado.

During his four years at Auraria, Nickeson has also served on the Emergency Communications Team and has extensive experience with tri-institutional groups and issues, as well as solid knowledge of technical communications.