About

Donovan Nichols is a passionate educator, optimistic innovator, servant leader, caring speaker, husband, father, and fun seeker!

CARING SPEAKER: Since 2008, Donovan has inspired thousands of people across the country as a professional speaker on topics such as work-life balance, Pay It Forward (servant leadership), leadership development, organizational development, overcoming obstacles, and goal achievement.

PASSIONATE EDUCATOR: Donovan loves sharing wisdom with new, emerging, and experienced leaders of all ages. This doctoral student utilizes his education and 15+ years of work experience in higher education to help individuals see the world from a different perspective, discover solutions to their challenges, and unlock their potential. 

OPTIMISTIC INNOVATOR: Donovan learned how to overcome his learning disability and ADHD to achieve his goals. He strives to provide others with the tools needed to successfully overcome their unique challenges.

EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL: Donovan has developed servant leaders and helped them achieve their personal and professional goals while working at three diverse universities over his career (University of Nevada Las Vegas, University of Georgia, and The University of Toledo). This former assistant dean of students has overseen offices that support student organizations, student activities, fraternities and sororities, major events, commuter services, leadership, and service programs. In addition, Donovan oversaw a four-year leadership development program and taught academic courses on leadership.

VALUES-BASED FOCUS: This self-proclaimed recovering workaholic changed his lifestyle to lead a happier and healthier life that focuses on his six core values: happiness, integrity, love, innovation, fun, and education.

SERVANT LEADER: Donovan has a passion for encouraging people to get more involved in altruistic servant leadership. He served in AmeriCorps VISTA, the national program designed to fight poverty in America. Donovan was appointed to the Pay it Forward Foundation Board of Directors and served as International Co-Coordinator for Pay it Forward Day, which is now celebrated in over 88 countries.

INVOLVED STUDENT: This former highly involved college student was Student Government President, Student Trustee, and co-founded a secret spirit society called Blue Crew. Donovan is a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and was part of the brotherhood that established the fraternity as the first non-pledging chapter on his campus. As a graduate student, Donovan continued to stay involved as a Graduate Student Association College Representative.

ENGAGED ALUM: He created a UToledo alumni group that won the national Chapter of the Year award four times. Due to his servant leadership, Donovan was awarded the UToledo Alumni Association’s Volunteer of the Year in 2007 and Outstanding Young Alum in 2009. 

CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER: Donovan’s portfolio of photos as a Local Guide on Google has over 27 million views. He started a photography business in 2022 because Donovan really enjoys taking photos that intrigue the eye and capture irreplaceable moments.

FUN FAMILY MAN: Donovan enjoys spending time with his wife Alycia, sons Sawyer and Knox, and their two dogs (Duce and Chloe). Donovan also loves playing guitar, singing, watching sports, and solving a Rubik’s Cube.

He has an enthusiasm for life. Get ready to laugh, love, and learn as Donovan shares his personal stories and passion for life with you.