About

Donovan Nichols is a passionate educator, optimistic innovator, servant leader, caring speaker, creative photographer — as well as a devoted husband, father, and fun seeker — dedicated to capturing life’s irreplaceable moments and inspiring others to live with purpose, balance, and joy.

🎤 Caring Speaker & Consultant

Since 2008, Donovan has inspired thousands across the country through engaging keynotes and workshops on work-life balance, servant leadership (Pay It Forward), leadership and organizational development, overcoming obstacles, and goal achievement.

Known for his humor, heart, and authenticity, Donovan helps audiences reflect, recharge, and take actionable steps toward building meaningful, balanced lives.

🎓 Passionate Educator & Experienced Professional

With over 15 years in higher education — including leadership roles at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; University of Georgia; and The University of Toledo — Donovan has guided countless students and professionals to discover their potential and lead with integrity.

A former Assistant Dean of Students, he has overseen student organizations, leadership and service programs, major events, and fraternity and sorority life. He also taught academic leadership courses and directed a four-year leadership development program.

Currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Higher Education at The University of Toledo, Donovan integrates research, reflection, and real-world experience to help individuals and organizations thrive.

💡 Optimistic Innovator & Servant Leader

Having overcome learning disabilities and ADHD, Donovan believes challenges are opportunities for innovation. He equips others with tools to overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and find joy in the journey.

A lifelong advocate for service, he served in AmeriCorps VISTA, sat on the Pay It Forward Foundation Board of Directors, and co-coordinated International Pay It Forward Day, now celebrated in more than 88 countries.

📸 Creative Photographer

What began as a passion for storytelling through imagery has evolved into Donovan Nichols Photography — a professional venture dedicated to capturing life’s irreplaceable moments with creativity and care.

Based in Sylvania, Ohio, Donovan serves Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan — including Toledo, Perrysburg, Maumee, Blissfield, and Monroe — offering photography for families, events, businesses, engagements, headshots, newborns, seniors, and more.

His portfolio as a Google Local Guide has surpassed 60 million views, a testament to his creative eye and attention to detail.

🏆 Award-Winning Alum & Engaged Student Leader

A testament to his lifelong commitment to leadership and service, Donovan Nichols was honored as a 2020 “20 Under 40” Toledo award recipient for his innovative and community-focused impact. He also founded a UToledo alumni group that earned the National Chapter of the Year Award four times, and his dedication to servant leadership has been recognized through multiple honors from the UToledo Alumni Association — including Volunteer of the Year (2007) and Outstanding Young Alum (2009).

As an undergraduate, Donovan was a highly involved student leader, serving as Student Government President, Student Trustee, and co-founder of the Blue Crew, a secret society dedicated to enhancing campus pride. A proud Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity member, he helped establish the organization as the first non-pledging chapter on campus.

Even as a graduate student, Donovan continued his engagement by serving as a Graduate Student Association Representative and Treasurer, demonstrating his ongoing dedication to community, connection, and leadership development.

❤️ Values-Based Focus

A self-proclaimed recovering workaholic, Donovan now lives a more balanced and joyful life grounded in six core values: happiness, integrity, love, innovation, fun, and education.

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Fun Family Man

Outside of work, Donovan enjoys life’s everyday adventures with his wife Alycia, sons Sawyer and Knox, and their dog Duce. Whether he’s coaching youth sports, playing guitar, or solving a Rubik’s Cube, Donovan brings the same enthusiasm and curiosity that fuel his professional life.

✨ Live. Learn. Lead. Capture.

Donovan’s mission is to help people and organizations live more intentionally, lead more compassionately, and celebrate every moment along the way — whether through words, workshops, or photographs.

Get ready to laugh, love, and learn as Donovan shares his passion for life — helping you capture moments and create stories worth telling.