NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s chapter of Blue Key Honor Society dedicated Student Union Room 221 in memory of Dean Leonard O. Nichols to honor the late administrator’s commitment to Blue Key, higher education and excellence in scholarship, leadership and service. The dedication took place Oct. 3 as part of Homecoming festivities. Room 221 serves as meeting space for numerous campus organizations throughout the academic year.
“This will be a reminder to all who enter that Dean Nichols truly lived the motto ‘Serving I live,’” said Reatha Cox, vice president for the Student Experience and dean of Students. “Our chapter is very active on campus. The men and women of this organization serve the university in so many ways.”
Blue Key Honor Society is a national coeducational organization for upperclassmen who are campus leaders. Members assist with commencement ceremonies and other special occasions and generate funds for service projects on campus and in the Natchitoches community.
Nichols, a 1946 graduate of NSU, became assistant dean of men at NSU in 1953 and was promoted to dean in 1963. “Dean Nick,” as he was called by students, retired in 1970. He was responsible for establishing NSU’s chapter of Blue Key Honor Society in 1959 and served as chapter advisor until his retirement. The chapter established the Dean Nichols Award in 1972 to commemorate his longtime service to the university and his significant contributions to Blue Key. Nichols was instrumental in organizing an alumni chapter of Blue Key in 1983, which was the first official alumni chapter in the nation.
Nichols also was advisor to the Interfraternity Council, coordinator of the Cheerleader School and served as a mentor to the Student Personnel graduate program.
Supporters who wish to contribute to the renovation fund can do so by visiting the following link or QR code. https://northwesternstatealumni.com/nichols-blue-key-room-renovation/
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Pictured: Student Union Room 221 will henceforth be known as the Dean Leonard O. Nichols Blue Key Honor Society Room following a dedication program Oct. 3. From left are Dean of Students Reatha Cox, Blue Key members Nicole Miller, Jayda Gee, Alonda Torres, Chapter President Christopher Richard, Abigail Petermann, SGA President Madysen Morgan, family members J. Larry Kees, Rhonda Kees, Lynn Kees and Lori Kees, Eli Dyjack, Caroline Blanchard, Paige Lindsey, Alex Laurent, Alyssa Austin, Christian James, Bryce Juneau and Callie McDowell.