James E. Nichols

B.S., University of Kansas, 1966
B.S., University of Kansas, 1966
M.S., The University of Texas at Austin, 1973

Inducted, 2023

Jim Nichols, P.E., is a distinguished civil engineer with a career spanning over five decades. After earning his undergraduate degree in Geology from the University of Kansas, he pursued graduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin, a decision that shaped his diverse professional journey. Nichols' career evolved from geotechnical engineering to founding Nichols Consulting Engineers (NCE), a nationally recognized firm.

He led NCE for 14 years, growing it from 5 to 50 employees. Post-retirement, Nichols transitioned to academia, teaching at Truckee Meadows Community College. He developed an NSF-funded curriculum for civil engineering practitioners and led a DOE-funded project to create a Geothermal Plant Operators program. Nichols' career exemplifies his commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability in engineering. His experience spans consulting, entrepreneurship and education, making him a valuable contributor to the field.