Pre-Law, physical education and speech -- not exactly three related fields, but Professor Richard Nichols tried majoring in them as an undergraduate at Michigan State.

Nichols finally stuck with a speech major, but took many theater classes. His three years of being a physical education major came in handy, however, when teaching movement for actors, Nichols said.

"All my physical education work came to have a value," he said.

Nichols came to the University three years ago from Clemson University in South Carolina. After serving as a department head for many years, Nichols said he missed teaching.

Nichols had taught and served as an administrator at eight different institutions in 23 years before taking a teaching position at Penn State. He said the reason for the changes in schools was that he was always looking for new challenges.

"I was looking for a place to better work as a movement specialist," he said.

Nichols said he has finally found that place here teaching Theatre 497B, advanced scene study, and a movement class.

"(Penn State) was the place I was looking for; it just took me eight schools to find it," he said.

After acting in many college productions and doing professional summer stock, Nichols took a break from acting because he said it wasn't fun anymore.

"I stopped acting about 10 years ago," he said. "It was unsatisfying. It was painful as a matter of fact."

But when Nichols made the decision to teach acting again, he realized he would have to return to performing.

"I decided if I was going to teach acting, I had better get back out on the stage," he said.

In the past two years, Nichols has performed in Orphans for the Pennsylvania Center Stage Company and in the University's production of Trojan Women.

Nichols said it is crucial that acting teachers continue to act so they can relate better to their students.

"It's important students should feel that whoever's teaching them has been in their shoes," he said.

Nichols' experiences as a teacher, administrator and performer have definitely benefited his students, said Jill Leberknight (senior-theatre arts).

"You trust him because you know he's been so many places," said Leberknight.

Erika Becker (senior-theatre arts) said that in addition to his worldiness, Nichols also shows genuine interest in his students' lives.

"He cares not only about our work here now in his class, but he's really concerned about our futures," Becker said.

Leberknight said Nichols has followed the progression of his students since their freshman year -- something that shows in his teaching.

"He knows us so well, he knows what we need," Leberknight said.

Nichols is much more than a teacher to some of his students, Leberknight said.

"He's this incredible father figure for us," she said.

Like a real father, Becker said Nichols is known to be very demanding of his students and has even scared some from taking his classes.

"He's very serious about his work," Becker said. "He demands that we are focused. He's very encouraging but my first semester with him, I was terrified of the man."

Leberknight said even though Nichols may be difficult at times, he is highly regarded by teachers and students alike.

"The faculty members and other students really respect him," she said.