Q&A with DR. NICHOLS What drew you to Warner Pacific College? I am very excited about the mission of Warner Pacific as it aligns with my personal journey of faith. In this age when colleges and universities search for relevance in the global arena, it is refreshing to be a part of a Christ-centered, urban, liberal arts college that is dedicated to providing students from diverse backgrounds an education that prepares them to engage actively in a constantly changing world. It is also a joy being in Portland. The texture and the rhythm of the city resonate deeply with me and it provides a great venue for the work at Warner Pacific.
What excites you about the VPAA role?
DR. REGINALD T.W. NICHOLS EDUCATION Gordon College; B.A. Liberal Arts (Biblical Studies/Psychology) Fuller Theological Seminary; M.Div. Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling University of San Francisco; Ed.D. Organization and Leadership, International & Multicultural Education
FELLOWSHIPS W.K. Kellogg International Leadership Program Salzburg Seminar
BOARD SERVICE Rankin County Chamber of Commerce Mississippi World Trade Center Southern Association of Independent Schools/Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Kellogg Fellows Leadership Alliance – President of the Board Served on 5 school accreditation teams and chaired 3 teams
MEMBERSHIPS & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Presbyterian Church USA, ordained June 1983 National Council on Educating Black Children Rotary International Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Association of Fundraising Professionals
I love to build powerful educational environments where faculty and staff can fulfill God’s calling on their lives and impact the present and the future through scholarship and service in a vibrant, diverse learning community. This role allows me to work alongside of students, faculty, staff, and administrative colleagues as well as the people of the greater Portland area to create a hopeful future for historically marginalized communities. It also allows me to use my gifts and skills alongside others to build a just society where every individual can flourish.
What skills and experiences do you bring that will support the College’s mission to “prepare students to engage actively in a constantly changing world?” I believe that I bring a great sense of mission and calling as well as compassion, listening, and organizational skills. I like to get things done and throughout my various life experiences, I have focused on providing opportunities for all to receive an excellent education. My commitment to diversity, equity, excellence, and genuineness along with my strong faith, humor, and varied experiences will guide me in this role as I interact with students, faculty, staff, and the community. I would also hope that my extensive international work and travels will provide a great frame of reference for our work as we prepare students and engage the faculty.
With the landscape of higher education changing, what challenges do you see on the horizon for Warner Pacific College? What opportunities? Relevancy is not necessarily determined by quantitative factors, although they are important. We are relevant because of our mission and as we continue to focus on that mission and execute our mission with compassion, excellence, and a strong sense of purpose and commitment, we will stay at the forefront of higher education. Our focus on creating an open educational space for a new generation of leaders who will build better homes, families, communities, cities, and world is exciting and engaging. However, we need to be technologically proficient and globally perceptive in our work. This will allow us to do this important work effectively and efficiently while remaining open to new opportunities.
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