Professor Nicholson joined Monash University, Indonesia on 19 February 2024 as its Pro Vice-Chancellor and President. Professor Nicholson will work closely with key University and external stakeholders to develop the Monash University, Indonesia campus’ growing reputation as a leading postgraduate education provider in the Southeast Asia region. With his extensive experience and expertise, Professor Nicholson aims to solidify the university’s position as a leader in the field.

Previously, Professor Nicholson joined Monash University, Malaysia in April 2021 as Vice-President (Research and Development), successfully leading the portfolio by creating and implementing a vision for excellence in areas including graduate student mobility, supervisor training and development, industry engagement, and the governance and management of research infrastructure in Malaysia.

Between July 2022 and May 2023, Professor Nicholson held the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer, Monash University, Malaysia, and Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor and President (Malaysia), Monash University Australia. During this period, he provided strategic and visionary leadership of Monash University, Malaysia following the departure of Professor Andrew Walker until the commencement of Professor Dato’ Adeeba Kamarulzaman.

During his tenure as the interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholson made significant contributions to the operations of Malaysia campus, including establishing a Future Students Taskforce to examine and improve areas relating to student recruitment, creating a new staff mobility scheme to connect Malaysia campus staff with programs, services and opportunities at other Monash campuses, and forming new working relationships and partnerships with industry and government stakeholders in Malaysia.

Professor Nicholson has been an exemplary leader across research, teaching and administration throughout his career. He received significant teaching awards in previous positions at La Trobe University and Victoria University for his pioneering work in remote learning and the development of lecture-free curricula, including the development of a Massive Open Online Course on diplomacy for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Professor Nicholson has published more than 120 books, book chapters and journal articles, and secured more than $10 million in research funding through numerous industry-funded programs and projects, including through the Australian Research Council and National Health and Medical Research Council. He has an international reputation for his research and expertise in the public health-sport nexus, physical activity, policy, social capital, and the social impact of sport, recreation and leisure.