What Nichols has always had is a tradition of Yankee ingenuity and practicality.

That's why, as we near our 200th anniversary, we continue to focus on an education that is relevant and career focused.

Founder Amasa Nichols would be proud if he could see us now!

Here's a brief outline of our history:

1815
Nichols Academy is founded by Amasa Nichols, a wealthy Dudley industrialist. An early benefactor of the Academy is Samuel Slater, "the father of cotton manufacture in the United States," who owned mills in the adjoining town of Webster, and Hezekiah Conant, another leading textile manufacturer. Nichols Academy closes in 1909.

1931
Nichols Junior College is founded by James Lawson Conrad. The first junior college exclusive for men in the East, the College also became the first junior college in Massachusetts to receive the authority to grant an associate's degree in Business Administration. Nichols is closed during the latter part of World War II, when President Conrad is called into service.

1946
Nichols Junior College is reopened under President Conrad, who had become a colonel. During the next 12 years, many of the 44 college buildings are purchased or constructed.

1958
Nichols is granted the authority to become a four-year college and to confer the degree of Bachelor of Business Administration. The College then embarks upon another building program, adding four new dormitories and a new library building. The Chalmers Field House, swimming pool, and facilities for varsity and intramural sports are soon added. The former gymnasium is renovated into an auditorium with more than 700 seats.

1965
Nichols earns accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

1970
The Board of Trustees votes to admit women to Nichols for the first time since Academy days. At the same time, it is decided to broaden the concept of administration and offer programs leading to degrees other than the Bachelor of Business Administration.

1971
The College is granted authority by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Higher Education to grant the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Public Administration. It also offers a new Educator Preparation Program.

1974
Nichols is granted the authority to grant the degree of Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.).

1980
Nichols establishes the Institute for American Values (renamed the Robert C. Fischer Policy and Cultural Institute in 1999) as a division of the College, providing a forum for the free exchange of ideas.

1997
Sport Management is initiated as new academic program.

1998
Dr. Debra M. Townsley is named Nichols College's sixth, and first female, president.

Nichols establishes an innovative curriculum including a Current Issues Symposium and Professional Development Seminar.

1999
Educator Preparation Program (5-12) is re-established as an academic program.

2002
Criminal Justice Management and Business Communication are initiated as new academic specializations.

2004
Nichols enters into an agreement with the Alabama-based United States Sports Academy to deliver a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Sports Management. This partnership creates the first accredited Sports Management M.B.A. in the country available 100% online.

2005
Nichols College Masters in Business Administration Program (M.B.A.) celebrates its 30th anniversary. What began in 1974 with an enrollment of only 11 students, is now the one of the largest M.B.A. programs in central Massachusetts. Over 1,380 graduates have received a Nichols M.B.A. to date.

Nichols dedicates Lombard Dining Hall and Vendetti Field at Homecoming. Nichols new multi-purpose stadium is officially opened.

On September 15th, the Board of Commissioners for the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) grants accreditation for Nichols College business and business-related degree programs.

2006
Nichols Student Government Association celebrates its 30th anniversary.

The Fischer Institute celebrates its 25th anniversary.

2007
Ezat Parnia, Ph.D., is appointed provost/executive vice president.

Nichols hosts 6th Annual Central Massachusetts Undergraduate Shakespeare Conference.

Nichols co-hosts START youth leadership training program for ninety 9th graders from Mass., Conn., and R.I., demonstrating to students and parents Nichols preeminence in leadership education.

Nichols introduces two new programs for fall 2007, a Master of Organizational Leadership(M.O.L.) and an Arts & Entertainment business specialization.

An enrollment record is set with the incoming Class of 2011 the largest ever!

Nichols breaks ground on building new suites for senior housing.