George J. Nichols Scholarship in Logistics

This scholarship was established in 1998 by the Georgia Ports Authority in memory of Mr. George J. Nichols. Mr. Nichols began working as an accountant for the Georgia Ports Authority in May 1963 and he was appointed assistant controller in 1964. By 1971, he was chosen to head the finance department. In 1976, he was promoted to Executive Director, a position he held until he retired in 1994. While working for Georgia Ports Authority, his most important contribution was securing financial backing from both the governor’s office and the state legislature. During his tenure, a repayable-loan program was instated that expanded Georgia Ports Authority terminals statewide. Under his direction, bridges and channels in the Savannah area were improved and widened. During his life, Mr. Nichols held positions such as being a member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities, a member of the International Association of Ports and Harbors, President of the South Atlantic and Caribbean Ports Association, member of the Advisory Board of the Georgia World Congress Institute, charter member of the Japan-American Society of Georgia, member of World Trade Club of Atlanta, ex-officio member of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, member of the Savannah Lion’s Club, member of the Transportation Club of Savannah, member of the Propeller Club of Savannah, and member of the Advisory Board of the Savannah Symphony. In 1994, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce presented the Oglethorpe Award to Mr. Nichols. This scholarship is available to members of the University Honors Program. First preference shall go to students majoring in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation. If no major is found, the scholarship should be used by the Department of Marketing, Management, and Logistics.