LAS CRUCES, NM, October 22, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Michael S. Nichols has been recognized for achievement in healthcare and education.

Mr. Nichols currently serves as Executive Vice President and Dean of the School of Health Professions at Burrell College of Health Sciences. In this role, he oversees the school's strategy and program development, working closely with his direct reports in academic affairs, student affairs, and program development. He serves on the executive leadership team responsible for college-wide strategy and administration. Burrell College of Health Sciences has regional medical school campuses across the United States, with two more campuses under development. Mr. Nichols splits his time among these sites, with his primary office located at the Melbourne, Florida campus.

Prior to joining Burrell College of Health Sciences, Mr. Nichols was Founding Dean at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and Bluefield University in Auburn, Alabama, from 2021 to 2026. While there, he played a central role in establishing three regional campuses and led the anesthesiologist assistant programs. He also served as program director at Bluefield University from 2021 to 2024 and served on the graduate academic council from 2022 to 2026.

From 2018 to 2023, Mr. Nichols worked as a clinical anesthetist at Northside Hospital in the Atlanta metropolitan area. During this period, he continued to contribute to healthcare education while maintaining his clinical practice. While there, he served on the organization's national clinician advisory board from 2020 to 2021.

Mr. Nichols also served as managing partner at Avance Education Solutions, LLC in Atlanta from 2015 to 2021, where he provided consulting services focused on program development for medical schools. He acted as board advisor for Avance Learning Solutions, LLC in the Greater Tampa Bay area from 2017 to 2019.

His earlier clinical experience includes serving as a cardiac anesthetist with Physician Specialists in Anesthesia, P.C., in Atlanta from 2008 to 2018. He began his career in education as a founding faculty member of the anesthesiologist assistant program at Nova Southeastern University in 2006. Subsequently, he joined Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, where he contributed to business and program development during a period when the institution expanded its reach through regional satellite campuses.

Throughout his career, Mr. Nichols has demonstrated expertise in health professions, education, and program development. Of particular note is his contribution to the growth of the anesthesiologist assistant profession nationwide; of the twenty-three active programs in the country, he has helped establish eleven. His leadership within professional organizations includes serving two terms as president of the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants and holding an executive board seat with the American Society of Anesthesiologists Political Action Committee.

Mr. Nichols's academic background is extensive and foundational to his achievements. He earned a Master of Science in Anesthesia from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland in 2000 after completing a Bachelor of Science with dual majors in biology and chemistry at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio in 1998. He later returned to the University of Dayton to complete a Master of Business Administration degree in 2019 and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education (EdD) in organizational leadership at Liberty University.

He holds certification as an anesthesiologist assistant from the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants since 2000 and is a Six Sigma Black Belt. These credentials have supported his ability to lead both clinical teams and educational initiatives effectively.

Mr. Nichols attributes his success not only to his drive and intelligence but also to the unwavering support of his family and an organically developed network of mentors and advisers who have provided guidance throughout his career. He values these relationships deeply and credits them with helping him reach his current level of professional accomplishment.

His commitment to civic engagement is reflected in his service as a church volunteer at Browns Bridge Church, part of North Point Ministries in Georgia, and as a board member of the Foundation for Advancement of the Anesthesia Care Team in Atlanta from 2019 to 2022.

Recognition for Mr. Nichols's impact includes receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants in 2016 — an honor that acknowledges lasting contributions to advocacy and professional growth during his tenure as president.

Born in Cleveland, Mr. Nichols has been married to Abby since 2013. Together they have three sons who share their parents' enthusiasm for sports and outdoor activities such as tennis, golf and running. The family enjoys participating in mixed tennis teams, with Abby emerging as an accomplished player herself. Their oldest son is pursuing pre-medical studies at the University of Georgia while their younger children are active in tennis, baseball, and golf.

Looking ahead, Mr. Nichols remains dedicated to expanding Burrell College of Health Sciences' network of regional healthcare education programs by leading initiatives that will bring new graduate-level opportunities to underserved areas across the country. His ongoing efforts focus on developing additional campuses, advancing accreditation processes and building teams to support hundreds of future students entering health professions programs.

# # #