In September 1968, Professor Byron Nichols, then 25 years old and working to complete a doctorate of international politics from Johns Hopkins University, began teaching political science courses at Union College.
In mid June of next year, at the end his 40th year on campus, Nichols will retire. That will mark the end of a career in which Nichols has built a reputation as a tough but engaging political science professor devoted not only to students but also to improving the craft of teaching.
Ask David Eppler ’82 about choosing classes during his first year on campus in 1978. Despite warnings about Nichols demanding courses, Eppler signed up.
“My fear shifted very quickly to admiration. This was not only somebody who cared deeply about his craft and was a great teacher. But more importantly, he believed in teaching all of us how to think for ourselves,” Eppler said.
To honor Nichols work, a group of his friends, colleagues and former students led by Susan Mullaney Maycock ’72 and former Union Professor Alan Maycock have created the Byron A. Nichols Endowed Fellowship for Faculty Development. The fellowship will be awarded to faculty who develop programs and skills that reflect the quality of intellectual, social and personal interactions that Nichols fostered and developed with students.
“Byron is an amazing force on this campus. As I travel and meet alumni, there is probably no faculty member who is asked about more,” said President Stephen C. Ainlay. “There is an intensity about Byron. He has an inquiring mind that is also a penetrating mind. He presses you. He doesn’t let go. There is no short answer. That quality is so appreciated by our students. He has always created a safe space in which students can take intellectual risks. That the quality of pressing, demanding and expecting, along with creating a protected environment makes a student feel like they are never going to fall very far.”
Organizers hope to give the first three-year award stipend to a faculty member in fall 2009. Fellowship candidates will submit proposals for improving classroom teaching or curriculum to an advisory committee. That committee will select two finalists and the dean of the faculty will determine the winner of Nichols fellowship.
Byron A. Nichols Endowed Fellowship for Faculty Development
Goal: $1 million gifts and pledges by June 2008.
How to give: Call (518) 388-6603 or e-mail Sally Webster at websters@union.edu to make a contribution.
Letters
Send a letter to magazine@union.edu and tell us about your best memory of Professor Byron Nichols.