(Las Cruces, NM and Melbourne, FL) —Burrell College of Health Sciences announced today the appointment of Michael Nichols, M.S., MBA, as Executive Vice President, Dean & Chief Academic Officer of the institution’s new School of Health Professions, effective July 11, 2026.
The addition of Burrell College’s new School of Health Professions marks an important step in the long-term vision and continued evolution of Burrell College into a comprehensive College of Health Sciences, alongside its nationally recognized School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Nichols brings more than 25 years of experience spanning clinical practice, graduate health sciences education, healthcare operations, accreditation, strategic planning, and program development. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to bridge academic innovation with operational execution, while building collaborative relationships among faculty, administration, healthcare systems, and community partners.
“Mike possesses the unique blend of academic leadership, entrepreneurial vision, operational expertise, team-oriented, and strategic growth experience needed to help build the future of our institution,” said John Hummer, President of Burrell College of Health Sciences. “His proven ability to develop innovative programs, navigate complex accreditation environments, and establish strong healthcare partnerships makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead our School of Health Professions during this transformative period of our institution.”
Nichols currently serves as the Founding Dean of the Master of Health Science in Anesthesia Program at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and Bluefield University, where he successfully led the development and expansion of a multi campus health sciences program network across Alabama, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Prior to his current role, Nichols founded Avance Education Solutions, a healthcare education consulting firm advising universities and academic medical centers on program development, curriculum design, workforce planning, predictive analytics, and strategic growth initiatives. His career also includes leadership positions with Case Western Reserve University, Nova Southeastern University, and several healthcare organizations.
Nichols earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Dayton, as well as a Master of Science in Anesthesiology from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He is also nearing completion of his Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership from Liberty University.
In addition to his executive leadership experience, Nichols has served in national professional leadership roles, including President of the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants and service on the Executive Board of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Political Action Committee.
“I am honored to join Burrell College during such an exciting time in the institution’s growth and evolution,” said Nichols. “The opportunity to help build a mission-aligned School of Health Professions focused on innovation, workforce development, and community impact is incredibly meaningful. I look forward to collaborating with Burrell’s leadership, faculty, healthcare partners, and community stakeholders as we prepare future healthcare professionals to serve communities with the greatest need.”
As Executive Vice President, Dean & Chief Academic Officer, Nichols will ensure the successful launch of Burrell’s first new health professions program, the Master of Health Science in Anesthesia (MHSA). In addition, he will facilitate strategic planning efforts for the development of future health professions programs in collaboration with Burrell’s hospital and healthcare partners in the communities it serves.
About Burrell College of Health Sciences:
Burrell College of Health Sciences is a private medical and health sciences college dedicated to improving medical care delivery in underserved and rural communities by educating culturally competent, community-focused physicians and health professionals. With campuses in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Melbourne, Florida, the College includes the School of Osteopathic Medicine and the School of Health Professions.
