Local real estate broker and investor Carl R. Nichols has been elected chairman of the Athens Academy Board of Trustees, effective August 1, 2021. Mr. Nichols succeeded Beth Sanders, who served as board chair from 2017-2021. The Board of Trustees voted on this succession over a year ago in the summer of 2020.

Carl Nichols has been associated with Athens Academy for over 40 years, both as a parent and as a longtime member of the Board of Trustees. He and wife Kathryn are the parents of Eddie Nichols, who graduated in 1990. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have three granddaughters, two of whom attended Athens Academy before the family relocated to Ohio.

President of Nichols Land and Investment Co. and Southeastern Agri-Business Management, Mr. Nichols has been a Land and Commercial Real Estate Broker and Investor since 1973. With a bachelor's degree in agriculture from the University of Georgia, he has built the Nichols name to mean expertise and integrity in all areas of Land and Commercial Real Estate Development and Investment. Mr. Nichols is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Athens Area Association of Realtors.

Mr. Nichols will serve as only the fifth chairman in Athens Academy’s 55-year history. Founding Chairman John Wilkins led the Board of Trustees for 42 years, until his passing in 2008. Mr. Wilkins was followed by Chairmen Gene Howard, James L. “Jimbo” LaBoon, Jr., and Beth Sanders.

According to Mrs. Sanders, “Carl brings a wealth of experience to Athens Academy, having first served on the Board of Trustees over three decades ago. He is a seasoned leader with longtime ties to the Athens Academy community who has always been an enthusiastic supporter of the school. I have enjoyed working with him this year as the chair-elect and am excited to have him as our next board chair.”

Head of School John Thorsen has enjoyed working with Mr. Nichols. “Leading a school, public or private, is not an easy task and having an engaged Board of Trustees and a strong advocate like Carl at the helm is extremely important. He has the wisdom and experience to support our work and continue our forward progress. I look forward to working with Carl and seeing our school flourish in the years ahead.”

Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. Now in its 55th year, Athens Academy pursues its mission of “excellence with honor” through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service and leadership. Ranked the #1 private school in Athens, #9 private school in the state of Georgia, and #1 private school outside Metro Atlanta (Niche.com).

For more information, please contact Kelley Cuneo, communications director, at [email protected] or 706-433-2410.