Marcus Nichols
Board Member
Natural Resource Instructor at Treasure Valley Community College

Marcus Nichols serves as the Natural Resource Instructor at Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC), where he combines classroom instruction with extensive field-based learning experiences. His teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on education, regularly transporting students to forests, rangeland sites, rivers, and streams to provide practical instruction in local resource management.

With nearly 2 decades of experience in higher education, Marcus finds particular satisfaction in guiding students with varying levels of outdoor experience. He enjoys helping those with extensive outdoor backgrounds understand the scientific principles behind their observations, while also introducing less experienced students to memorable natural encounters. His field trips have included white water rafting, fish sampling, and early morning sage grouse surveys—creating formative educational experiences for his students.

Marcus' path to education was unconventional. After completing graduate school, he worked at a wildlife refuge in the Midwest adjacent to a community college campus. Through collaboration with the college's instructors, he discovered his passion for field-based teaching, eventually leading him to his current position in Eastern Oregon.

A strong believer in community partnerships, Marcus collaborates extensively to enhance student learning and career opportunities. He actively participates in the Youth Changing the Community Collaborative, working to create developmental and economic opportunities for rural Eastern Oregon youth.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Marcus enjoys spending time with his four active children and pursuing outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping with friends and family.