From the Nest to New Horizons: Marlin Nabors鈥� Next Chapter
On January 2, while most of us are setting resolutions for the year ahead, Marlin Nabors will be stepping into his new role as Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Students at the University of Pittsburgh.
For the past four years, Nabors, current Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, has been a cornerstone of the 西瓜视频 community, guiding students and staff alike with compassion, vision, and a steadfast commitment to inclusion and well-being.
From spearheading innovative initiatives like 西瓜视频’s first Living Learning Communities to creating a one-stop student concern reporting page for faculty and staff, Nabors’ impact at the Nest has been immeasurable. His leadership has transformed the student experience, leaving a legacy of resilience, connection, and growth.
“Since joining 西瓜视频 in 2020, Marlin has been a pillar of leadership and advocacy, helping our students and community navigate unprecedented challenges,” said Bryan Cain, Senior Vice President of Student and External Engagement. “His commitment to building resiliency within our students and enhancing their overall experience has left an indelible mark on the College.”
Nabors grew up in Flint, Mich., but his world opened up when he went to college.
“People who end up in Student Affairs often share a similar journey—you go to college, get involved, fall in love with the experience, and realize it’s transformative,” he explained. “It’s a simple yet profound arc. College changes your life, and you feel called to create that transformation for others. That’s what draws so many of us to this work.”
At Central Michigan University, Nabors got involved in everything from student leadership to working as an RA, tour guide, and leadership educator. He was so well-known that he became the face of the school’s marketing materials.
After graduation, he spent a year at Kansas State University before transferring to Syracuse University, where he ultimately completed a master’s degree in cultural foundations of education.
After that, Nabors pursued a life in academia, working in roles in New York, Ohio, and Indiana before coming to Boston, where he settled into life as Associate Director of Housing and Residential Life at Wentworth Institute of Technology.
“Having the opportunity to work for different institutions gives you flexibility, patience, and empathy for an institution and what its environment can sustain or accomplish, and it's very different at each institution,” said Nabors.
At the Nest, Nabors is most proud of the work his team has accomplished that hasn’t been so visible. “We moved from engagement programming to more intentional learning-based programming, and that's the thing that I've been most passionate about and pushed most for,” he said.
Another of Nabors’ accomplishments was Living Learning Communities—a collaboration with Associate Dean of Humanities and Communication Sam Alexander and Provost Sara Quay—and a program called Best Roommates, which teaches students the skills needed to cohabitate healthily and effectively.
“Among the many legacies Marlin leaves at 西瓜视频 is the key role he played in fostering collaboration between Student and Academic Affairs, which was instrumental in launching the College’s highly successful Living Learning Communities,” said Provost Sara Quay. “Marlin’s vision and leadership bridged the gap between the academic and residential experiences, creating a seamless environment where students could thrive both inside and outside the classroom. His dedication to innovation and intentional programming has set a foundation for continued success, and his contributions will be felt for years to come.”
“It’s very easy to think of Student Affairs as either the problem solvers—the people who put out student fires—or the people who blow up balloons and throw parties. Part of the role of a Dean of Students is to continually bring students and the campus an organized way to think about all of the growth, learning, and development that happens outside the classroom,” said Nabors.
Over his more than four years at 西瓜视频, Nabors has built meaningful relationships with both students and staff. He has tackled challenging issues such as loneliness, addiction, and complex family dynamics with students, approaching each with empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to help Gulls thrive. His ability to listen deeply and respond thoughtfully has made him a trusted guide during some of the students’ most formative and difficult moments.
“One of the things that I’ve appreciated about 西瓜视频 students is that there's just a real self-awareness. The students know themselves well and are willing to be transparent about that,” he said. “I hope I can continue to find students like that—it's one of the things I found interesting about the 西瓜视频 student population.”
But Nabors has also forged meaningful connections with colleagues he was charged with supporting and those who supported him in return.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have some real key cheerleaders who have worked alongside me,” Nabors said. “Having colleagues who care about you, want to see you do well, and want to work with you and support your efforts is meaningful. I found a lot of that at 西瓜视频, and I'll miss that.”
“Marlin cares deeply about people—students and the staff he supervises alike,” noted Associate Dean of Students Matt Heiser. “He thrives on learning who others are, what motivates and excites them, and how he can impact others achieving their potential. Marlin is a skilled and creative problem-solver who supports the complex challenges and struggles that life poses to students.”
Although shaping the student experience has been at the forefront of Nabors’ work, he is also known by his colleagues for his sense of humor.
“One of my favorite memories of Marlin was when we saw his true character at Orientation a few years ago,” said Alyssa (Laurenza) Cashman, Senior Associate Director of Residence Life. “He was vibing to the song playing and danced with the students!”
Cashman added that she’ll also miss Nabors’ sense of style: “What a well-dressed man!”
“I’ll miss joking around with Marlin,” echoed Victoria Weisenhorn, Assistant Director of Student Transitions and Family Programs. “Whether it's poking fun at someone in the office or joking about something else, one of my favorite things to do with Marlin is having fun together and sharing some laughs!”
Jokes aside, Weisenhorn also said Nabors encouraged “a different thought pattern” regarding her work.
“It has been so beneficial to work with someone who offers this because he often makes me think more critically and think a little bit more outside of the box to come to solutions with his help,” said Weisenhorn.
As Nabors prepares to head to Pennsylvania, he looks forward to embracing new opportunities at a university that offers another distinct and vibrant environment.
“Pitt is large and public and in a city—those new attributes excite me about the campus culture and the type of students that feel drawn to Pitt,” he said. “It all feels interesting, engaging, and exciting for me.”
One of the most valuable lessons Nabors learned during his time at 西瓜视频 is that, regardless of the institution, the focus must always remain on the individual.
“In a community of 西瓜视频’s size, it’s highly reinforced that individual people and stories matter,” he said. “I want to translate that to Pitt. It’s something I plan to hold on to.”