Nichols appointed editor-in-chief of Chalkbeat

Nicole Avery Nichols , editor at the Detroit Free Press , who has led the pandemic coverage and other important work,  has been named editor-in-chief of Chalkbeat, the nationwide journalism nonprofit dedicated to telling the story of American education.

Her last working day at the newspaper is Feb. 5.

Nichols joined the Detroit Free Press in 2000 as a features writer. In 2003, she started working as deputy features editor/assistant features editor – a role she held for 9 years. She then held the post of current affairs editor/features editor.

Most recently, she held the post of senior news director, current affairs, entertainment at the newspaper.

She has also worked as a style editor at The Detroit News and was a features writer covering a wide range of subjects including general features and much more at Syracuse Newspapers/Observer Dispatch.

Additionally, last year, Nichols was named the “Working in the Spirit of Diversity” awardee by Wayne State University in Detroit.

“I am honored to be joining the journalists at Chalkbeat as editor-In-chief, particularly at such a critical time for American education,” Nichols says. “The coronavirus pandemic has challenged students, parents and educators, in ways that could not have been previously imagined. It is now even more vital to amplify the stories that emerge at the intersection of education, equity, policy and culture.”