M.A. '23: Ramsey Nichols — A Career Built on Leadership, Service, and Student Success
For nearly 30 years, Ramsey Nichols has dedicated his career to supporting students, teaching, and coaching across Michigan.
Ramsey Nichols, (M.A. '23, Principal and Athletic Educational Leadership), has spent nearly three decades serving Michigan students as both an educator and a basketball coach, building a career defined by consistency, integrity, and a commitment to helping young people grow. As the head boys’ basketball coach at Kalamazoo Central High School, Nichols has led the program for 12 years, compiling a 358–130 record, along with six District Championships and two Regional Championships.
His coaching career began in Detroit, where he guided middle school athletes from 1994 to 2000 and served as an assistant coach at Schoolcraft Community College under Hall of Fame coach Glen Donahue. In 2000, he returned to his hometown of Benton Harbor, leading the boys’ basketball team to a 108–26 record over six seasons.
His 2004–2005 squad completed a perfect 20–0 regular season and earned the #1 ranking in Class A statewide. During this period, he received multiple honors, including BCAM Overall Coach of the Year, BCAM Class A Coach of the Year, and four consecutive Big 16 West Division Coach of the Year awards. These accomplishments highlighted the disciplined, high-performing culture he fostered within the program. Under his leadership, Benton Harbor became one of the most consistently competitive and respected teams in the state during that timeframe.
Several of Nichols’ former players have gone on to compete at the highest levels of collegiate and professional sports, including Isaiah Livers, Wilson Chandler, Robert Whaley, and Joique Bell—a reflection of the talent he has helped develop over the years.
Beyond the court, Nichols is a veteran educator in his 29th year of teaching. His path has included roles in social studies instruction, athletic program development, athletic administration, and school leadership. He began his career at Wayne State University Public Middle School—Michigan’s first charter school—where he helped establish the school’s inaugural athletic program. He later taught in Benton Harbor, then served in multiple roles at Jackson Public Schools, including assistant principal, athletic director, and social studies teacher. He currently teaches social studies at Kalamazoo Central.
Nichols credits his motivation to the many mentors and family members who shaped him while growing up in Benton Harbor. He also recognizes the strength and resilience he witnessed throughout his large extended family as important influences in his life. He shared that his daughter, Kaila, has been a central source of motivation, inspiring him through her determination, character, and drive.
In reflecting on his goals, Nichols noted his passion for working with aspiring athletes and empowering students to achieve success both on and off the court. He continues to build on that passion as he pursues his Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Interscholastic Athletic Administration, a path aligned with his interest in future administrative opportunities.
Ramsey Nichols’ career represents dedication not only to athletics, but also to education, mentorship, and service. His ongoing commitment to students and school communities continues to guide the impact he makes statewide.