Paul Nichols is a retired Superintendent of Mecklenburg County Public Schools. A native of Mecklenburg County, he grew up in South Hill and began his career in education in 1980. Over the course of more than four decades, he served as a teacher, counselor, and administrator in both K–12 settings and at the university level.

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In 1998, Paul transitioned into educational support and consulting, working with the Virginia Department of Education as well as two national education software companies. In 2007, he co-founded Virginia Advanced Study Strategies (VASS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 education reform, and served as its first President and CEO.

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Throughout his distinguished career, Paul remained deeply committed to preparing students for success in both career and college pathways. He worked collaboratively with students, parents, school staff, local businesses, and community leaders to strengthen educational outcomes and expand opportunities for young people. Paul was honored to be appointed by Governor Terry McAuliffe to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center and is a proud graduate of the LEAD Virginia Class of 2012.