Sharon L. Nichols, Ph.D.

I grew up in the northeast US, was a dancer and softball pitcher all through college. I lived in NYC to pursue a dance career before I got “serious” and enrolled in a PhD program at the University of Arizona. I earned my PhD in educational psychology in 2003 and embarked on a career studying the lives and experiences of teachers and students. This work eventually led me to questions about educational policies and how they affect our schools, the work of teachers, and the experiences of students. I used to hate writing and I never would have guessed that I would have edited, authored, or co-authored 4 books, and over three dozen journal articles and book chapters and given 40+ presentations across my 16 years as a faculty member (all here at UTSA). I have participated in the faculty and staff LGBTQA+ group since its inception in 2013 and have been chair for the past two years. My first pride parade was in NYC and was one of the most exciting and fun experiences I have had as a member of the queer community.  I am so proud to be part of the LGBTQA+ community here at UTSA.  

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Mentoring Interests  

• Career Development 

• Academic coaching/support—anything related to schooling and coping with the pressures of being a student 

• Being LGBTQ+ in the workplace 

• Coming out issues/experiences  

• Ask me anything! If I don’t know, I can help find the person who does!