Kim J. Nickerson

Kim J. Nickerson is the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.  A clinical psychologist by training, he began his research career examining factors that make African Americans reluctant to use mental health services.  Over the past 25 years, he has worked to broaden the participation of underrepresented minorities in the social and behavioral sciences in higher education and other research settings.  In 2015, Dr. Nickerson developed the African American History and Landmark Tour at the University of Maryland.  His goal was to counter pernicious narratives or claims that African Americans either did not belong at, or that they were undeserving of a UMD education.  He wanted to help the community appreciate and honor trailblazing African Americans and how their sacrifices, drive, perseverance, and accomplishments not only made university education accessible to African Americans, but actually strengthened the university.  These interests animate his participation in the 1856 Project.