BROOKINGS – Tim Nichols, who served as dean of South Dakota State University’s Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College from 2008 to 2016, has been named a National Collegiate Honors Council Fellow.
Nichols took over as dean of the University of Montana’s Davidson Honors College in July after three years as an honors professor at the University of Wyoming. He will be honored at the 54th NCHC Annual Conference, held Nov. 6-10 in New Orleans.
The NCHC describes fellows as, “distinguished individuals who have given substantial time and energy to furthering the cause of honors education.” The fellows are nominated by NCHC members. When at SDSU, Nichols was a leader in the Upper Midwest Regional Honors Council, serving as both a state representative and president of the organization.
“Being named an NCHC Fellow is the highest honor offered through our national organization. We’re thrilled that Tim was recognized for his extraordinary work in honors, most of which was with the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College,” said Rebecca Bott-Knutson, who succeeded Nichols as dean of the Fishback Honors College. “Tim’s ability to motivate students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members to work together toward a brighter and more innovative and accessible honors community than ever before is a sign of his effectiveness as a leader in honors education.”
A lifelong learner and educator, Nichols holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a master’s degree in adult education from Washington State University. He earned a doctorate in sociology at SDSU in 2001. SDSU recognizes his work on campus with the Timothy J. Nichols Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advising Award.
Nichols’ wife, Laurie Stenberg Nichols, is currently serving as the interim president of Black Hills State University. She was named SDSU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs in June 2009. Before being named provost, Nichols served as the dean for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences from 1994 to 2009.
