Nicole Noilhetas: a woman at the helm of the Vice-Rectorate for the Northern Islands

Around thirty candidates had applied following Harry Christophe’s retirement last month. From the shortlist of the five remaining candidates, the Ministry selected someone with particularly extensive experience of overseas issues. Having served as a National Education Inspector in economics and management for twelve years, Nicole Noilhetas held the post of adviser to the Rector of Corsica in her capacity as academic delegate for technical education for four years before becoming an academy inspector and regional educational inspector for ‘Schools and School Life’ for one year, and subsequently as Deputy Academic Director of the National Education Services in New Caledonia – a post she has held since 2023. She therefore has solid experience in steering education policies in territories facing specific challenges.

Throughout her career, she has held a variety of academic roles in the areas of team management, industrial relations, human resources management, tackling school drop-out rates and overseeing the provision of training programmes.  According to the Guadeloupe Education Authority, “she has developed recognised expertise in supporting schools, driving change, coordinating regional education policies and leading organisations to ensure pupils’ success. Her practical experience, her understanding of complex educational contexts and her commitment to student success are major assets in addressing the educational challenges facing Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy.”