Dr. Nicole Cochran
Adjunct Professor
Welcome, Nicole
What is your role at Merced College?
I am an adjunct professor for the Business Resource Center, where I teach in the Customer Service Academy, Workforce Development and the Hospitality Career Academy. I also developed the curriculum for Unconscious Bias Reduction in the Workforce & Community program. Along with developing the course curriculum and teaching the course, I also teach Communication in the Workplace, Customer Service, Team Building, Foundations for Well-Being in the Workplace, Stress Management, Time Management, Conflict Resolution, and Attitudes in the Workplace. When the opportunity presents itself, I also provide professional development for organizations in the surrounding community.
What part of your job do you enjoy most?
I love working for the Business Resource Center. I enjoy the interactions with the students and getting to share and hear their stories. I have learned so much from the students over the years. Creating a safe environment for them to learn is vital to the culture of my classes, and I am energized by the learners.
Tell us about yourself. What brought you to Merced College?
I grew up in Los Angeles, down the street from the University of Southern California (USC). I am a first-generation college graduate, and I could have never imagined going to college let alone receiving a doctorate degree from USC.I grew up in Los Angeles, down the street from the University of Southern California (USC). I am a first-generation college graduate, and I could have never imagined going to college let alone receiving a doctorate degree from USC.
My high school counselor did not think I was college material, but my father, who had an eighth-grade education, visited Fresno for a job and thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for me. He persuaded a counselor and two teachers to write me a recommendation letter, and I was accepted to Fresno State through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Not only did my parents support me, but I also made lifelong friends through EOP.
While working for Fresno Pacific, I connected with Dr. John Kilroy, Dean of the School of Business, and he offered me my first opportunity to teach. He created a training and mentor program for new instructors. I fell in love with teaching, and in 2018 I connected with Patti Eighmey and Jonae Pistoresi for a chance to teach for the Customer Service Academy at the Business Resource Center. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love volunteering in the community and working with young adults. It is important for me to always give back, because so many people invested in me. I find the greatest joy sitting in spaces and hearing their stories. I also enjoy traveling with my husband and spending time with friends and family.
What is a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I love to decorate Christmas trees, and I typically have at least five fully decorated trees in my house during the holiday season.One fun fact about me that I always share with my students is that I was on a newlywed game show called “That’s Amore” and we won a trip to Hawaii. They only had two seasons, and it was back when everything was recorded on VHS. I would tell my students if they can find the video, I would give them an “A” in the class. Many have tried, but none have succeeded. I am still looking for that episode.