FACULTY PROFILE

BELL'S NICHOLS RELATES CHEMISTRY TO EVERYDAY MATTERS, SITUATIONS

by Jamie Raines     

	“I teach everything to relate to
everyday life,” says Mr. Barry Nichols,
chemistry instructor at SECC (Bell County
campus). “I love what I do and I find it
thoroughly enjoying. My students are industrious
and eager to learn and this makes my job a lot
easier.”

	Nichols came to SECC in 1992 as a
part-time instructor. He remained in that
capacity for three years. “When Southeast
(position) opened up at the Middlesboro campus
in the fall of 1995, I became full time. I’m
currently in my second year,” said Nichols.

	Before coming to SECC, Nichols
taught middle school for two years and high
school for 10. He has also subbed for every
grade there is.  He is a product of the
University of Wisconsin, where he earned his
bachelor’s degree. He later went on to earn a
masters at Winona State in Minnesota.
 
	“After that I spent 4 years in
Indiana before moving here,” Nichols recalled.
“In Kentucky I got the opportunity to do what I
wanted to do, which was teach chemistry.”
 
	SECC offers 3 different chemistry
courses and all have a lab. According to
Nichols, this is as it should be. “If a science
student wants to understand lab, he must come in
and get his hands dirty. A science student is
different from say a literature student in that
this area takes a certain interest and
aptitude.”

	Nichols also serves as the advisor
for the associate of science degree students. He
also advises for fundamentals. In the fall of
‘97, SECC will offer, for the first time,
Chemistry 016 whose purpose is to give students
a mathematics and chemistry background to go on.

	“Last semester we started organic
chemistry,” Nichols said. “We are the only
community college in southeast Kentucky that has
it. The students who take this course go into
pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy, medical doctor,
etc. We are truly blessed to have facilities
here that are out of this world. There is great
opportunity here and I am proud to be a part of
it.”

by Eddie Day

	Wanda Lewis is no stranger to
students of Southeast Community College.  A
veteran of SECC, Lewis started teaching as a
part time faculty member in the summer of 1970. 
She has been a full time faculty member for the
past four years.

	Born in Harlan County, Lewis has
resided here for her entire life, except for the
four years she spent as a student at the
University of Kentucky.

	Over the years Lewis has also taught
at Cumberland High School, where she taught a
variety of classes such as history, English, and
economics.  Currently, Lewis teaches psychology
and sociology here at SECC.

	With such activities as faculty
advisor of the Fellowship of Christian Students,
one wonders how she deals with the stress of
daily life.

	"Daily prayer, walking, and I always
try to put things in perspective" Lewis replied.

	During Lewis' career she has taught
numerous students who have gone on to
illustrious careers, but one stuck out in her
mind.

	"Five years ago a former student of
mine came to see me in my office.  He told me
that I was the major influence in his life. 
That was better than all the paychecks."
Lewis advises all of her students to take
their education seriously.  

	"Excellent students," Lewis said,
"are students who make the most of every
educational opportunity.  They should always
believe in themselves and their unique, God-
given abilities.  They should find their purpose
in life and give their best.  This, to me, is
the formula for a happy and successful life."

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