Chuck Nichols is an associate professor of psychological sciences at Loyola University New Orleans specializing in social and personality psychology. He became a psychologist to better understand how to advance overall human well-being and flourishing by helping each individual achieve their goals and live the kind of good and meaningful life they desire. More specifically he enjoys learning and teaching about: (1) individual well-being (i.e., happiness, utility, satisfaction, etc.) and factors influencing it, particularly those factors that individuals have relatively more control over, e.g., their values, goals, and choices; and (2) collective well-being (social, environmental, etc.) and factors contributing to thriving communities/societies, positive intergroup relations, and environmentally sustainable human behavior.
He enjoys teaching Social Psychology, Theories of Personality, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and the first year seminar, Pursuit of Happiness, as well as mentoring and collaborating with students on research projects. In 2016, Dr. Nichols received the First Year Seminar Excellence in Teaching Award. In 2015, he received the University Senate Excellence in Advising Award. He was educated at the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he studied political science, history, and management, before finishing his PhD in social and personality psychology in 2011.
Degrees
Ph.D., University of Missouri, Columbia, 2011; M.B.A., University of Missouri, Columbia, 2010; M.A., University of Missouri, Columbia, 2009; B.A., University of Missouri, Columbia, 2001
Classes Taught
- Social Psychology
- Introduction to Research
- Introduction to Psychology
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Industrial/Organizational Psychology
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Theories of Personality
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Pursuit of Happiness (first year seminar)
Areas of Expertise
Motivation, goals, & values; well-being, happiness & positive psychology; psychological study of social issues