An evening of celebration turned into a moment of heartfelt surprise for Dean Kelly Nichols at the UAB School of Optometry’s annual Scholarship Dinner, when the Alumni Association announced the creation of a new endowed scholarship in her name.

“I was stunned,” Nichols said. “It was such a surprise in the setting of the Scholarship Dinner. It took a minute for it to register—once it did, I was incredibly appreciative of the Alumni Board and thankful that we have such amazing alumni.”

Karen Vanoy, OD, president of the Alumni Association, shared the inspiration behind the scholarship.

“Dean Nichols has been a tireless advocate for our students and a visionary leader for our school,” Vanoy said. “We wanted to recognize her in a way that reflects her values—supporting students and investing in the future of optometry. This scholarship is a lasting tribute to her impact. Dean Nichols, thank you, thank you! Your leadership, hard work, and strategic thinking have resulted in an optometry school that is prepared for the future.”

Nichols set goals that nearly doubled the number of scholarship endowments during her tenure. When she arrived in 2014, the total number of endowments was 45, with 40 scholarships awarded. In 2024, there were 74 endowments, and 118 scholarships and awards totaling $141,250. There has been growth in all UAB optometry academic programs, with the school continuing to experience firsts each year.

“An additional scholarship means one more student will be able to ease their financial burden,” Nichols said. “To have my name on it is an honor, as is serving our faculty, staff, students, and patients for these past 10 years.”

During a discussion with the Alumni Association Board, Nichols envisioned the qualities the student scholar should embody. Board member Gussie Branch, OD, Class of 2016, described herself as a student who was captivated by the optometric profession—engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. Her words deeply resonated with Nichols.

“I hope the scholarship recipient possesses some of the best qualities of our alumni board members—commitment to optometry, involvement in the profession, and leadership,” she said. “As Dr. Branch said best, someone who wants to ‘soak up every bit of optometry’ while in school.”

Nichols offered a heartfelt message to the Alumni Association: “THANK YOU! This is such a meaningful surprise to me, and so helpful to all future scholarship recipients.”