A&S Outstanding Alumnus 1996

 Larry D. Nichols


"He was, and is, a man with a vision and a concern for the well-being of others."
-- Ronald Beiswenger, chair of the Department of Geography and Recreation.

Larry D. Nichols has received high accolades for his concern for education during his 20-yearcareer as teacher and administrator in Adams County School District No. 14, Colorado. Nichols graduated from UW with a master's of science in teaching with a major in Natural Science in 1977. Since then he has been principal of Lester Arnold High School (an alternative school in Colorado) and is currently principal of Kearney Middle School in Commerce City, Colorado.

Nichols believes learning is a lifelong activity and has devoted his professional life to making learning available to everyone, especially those who are often under-served by public schools, such as minority students, lower socioeconomic groups, and the handicapped. Recognition for his work includes the 1990 Governor's Award for Excellence in Education, the 1993 Milkin Family Foundation National Educator Award, and the 1995 Colorado Community Educator of the Year Award.