Sometimes the biggest changes in our lives can become wonderful blessings.
Nearly two years ago, God led me and my family to Liberty University, where I now have the privilege to serve my Liberty family as vice president of Development, working alongside our teams in Alumni Relations, Estate Planning, Contact Center, and the Flames Club.
With my background in education and athletics, I have had the opportunity to work in higher education for most of my career, including in Alabama at Auburn, Faulkner, and Troy Universities, and at Texas Tech University. I have been involved in development everywhere I have been.
Before joining Liberty’s Development Office, I served as assistant athletic director and Chief of Staff for Liberty Athletics. I worked in many exciting areas, including fan engagement, corporate sponsorships, and event management throughout Liberty’s thriving NCAA Division I programs.
Everywhere I have been here at Liberty, I have found that the best thing about this university is the people! The character and faith of our faculty, staff, administration, and students is what makes Liberty stand out. Liberty provides its students with a welcoming and exciting environment in which they can grow, learn, and become the people God has called them to be. This school is built upon the foundation of prayer and belief in Jesus Christ, and because of that, it is a wonderful place to be and to work.
Liberty has truly become home to my family. My wife, Haley, and I are proud Liberty parents too; our oldest, Gracie, 20, is a sophomore. Our son, Peyton, is 15, and our daughter Presley is 10.
To me, my new role here is all about relationships and cultivating relationships with everyone who also calls Liberty their home — whether that’s today or at any time in the past.
Our alumni have laid a solid groundwork for this university’s great mission to continue, and I believe as we near our 50-year mark that every relationship is important.
One of my favorite Scriptures is Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I look forward to working with more of our friends and supporters. I can’t wait to see what more changes — and blessings — God will bring us here. This is a great time to be at Liberty, and the sky’s the limit on what we can do moving forward.
— Jim M. Nichols,
Vice President of Development
