Chuck Nichols
Charles “Chuck” Nichols, a San Joaquin Valley farmer who graduated from UC Davis with degrees in
electrical engineering (1983) and agricultural science and management (1984), is a devoted alumnus,
generous philanthropist, and respected leader in California agriculture. He is being honored among
“Outstanding Alumni” with a CA&ES Award of Distinction.
Under Chuck’s leadership, the Nichols family farming operation focused on nut crops. In particular, the
family has become prominent in the growing, processing, and shipping of pistachios and almonds. Chuck
has led the California Pistachio Commission, Kings County Farm Bureau, and also served on the
California Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.
Chuck and his wife, Susie, are UC Davis graduates — along with his parents and eldest son as well.
Philanthropy runs in the Nichols family. Parents Graydon and Virginia were among the first members of
the Davis Chancellor’s Club and were instrumental in fundraising for the alumni center. Chuck has been
contributing to the Davis Chancellor’s Club since 1984. The Nichols family also helped establish and
endow the Central Valley Scholars Program, which provides financial support and internships for valley
students.
As a past president of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association, Chuck helped the organization grow and also
purchase property to build a Sierra Nevada family camp. Chuck and Susie also set up a foundation to
provide scholarships for the children of all their employees.
“In the true spirit of UC Davis, he is simply an Aggie who wants to see his alma mater grow and prosper.
Chuck may fly his jet or his plane to Davis for various meetings, but he will casually pull his bike out of the
back of his aircraft and ride across campus like any student to get to where he is going.”
—Stephen J. Meyer, Downey Brand LLP