CMU names new executive director of residence life

Shawna Patterson-Stephens, vice president of University Engagement and Student Affairs, today announced the selection of Nicholas Sweeton as Central Michigan University’s new executive director of residence life.

Sweeton comes to CMU from Colorado State University, where he served as associate executive director of Housing & Dining Services and director of Occupancy and Operations.

He steps into a leadership role at CMU charged with creating a residential environment that promotes student success, leadership and personal development. He will work closely with the associate vice presidents of both University Engagement and Student Affairs.

“Nicholas Sweeton’s vision for residence life aligns perfectly with CMU’s values and we are excited for him to join our team,” Patterson-Stephens said. “He brings the experience and track record to manage this critical student life component.”

While at Colorado State University, Sweeton supervised the leadership of numerous departments, lead strategic efforts to maximize occupancy and rate-setting, and guided multi-year capital improvement projects and major renovations.

Prior to working at Colorado State, he worked at the University of Massachusetts Boston, the University of Arizona, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Humboldt Polytechnic University and New Mexico State University.

Sweeton was selected to serve following a national search that was launched earlier this year as part of a reorganization that resulted in the creation of the Division of University Engagement and Student Affairs. He will step into his new role at CMU effective October 13, 2025.

Sweeton earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and both a Master of Science and a Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University.