Professor Elwood Nichols received his Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Central University and his Masters from City College in New York. He taught Microbiology at several colleges before coming to New Jersey. In 1960, he began teaching at Glassboro State College, now Rowan University. Prof. Nichols was the first African-American professional at Glassboro State. He retired in 1988.

He loved children and he loved science. When he heard about the possibility of a Community Center here, he immediately contacted us to see how he could help and help he did. Mr. Nichols volunteered to tutor in Science and Math. He was here every Tuesday night helping students. Professor Elwood Nichols was a tutor in our After-School program for 10 years until his health began to fail.

Professor Nichols always had a positive attitude and his main focus was education. He would ask, "What can we try next to involve the children in the importance of learning?"  In 2006, Prof. Elwood Nichols passed away. In 2011, a scholarship was established in his name for his dedication and service to the
community and to our program. Each year, the Professor Elwood Nichols Scholarship is awarded to a High-school student with plans to continue his/her secondary education.