May 6, 2025
With profound sorrow, Beacon College announces the passing of Dr. Nicoletta "Nicki" C. Nance, associate professor of human services and psychology, beloved colleague, and champion for mental health and neurodiversity.
April 28, 2025
Talk about a big man on campus. It’s impossible to miss Beacon College’s new head men’s basketball coach and director of athletics Pat Burke on campus.
April 15, 2025
Beacon College will confer honorary doctorates on two national learning disability advocates at its Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m. at the Brownwood Hotel & Spa.
March 26, 2025
Initially introduced in April 2023 with a $12 million goal, “The Beacon Promise” campaign’s overwhelming success has inspired the institution to increase its goal to $14.5 million by June 2026. To date, the campaign has secured a total of $12.9 million – 89% of the expanded campaign goal.
February 10, 2025
As president of Beacon College since 2013, his impact is well-known in educational circles for making Beacon the premiere accredited U.S. college dedicated to neurodivergent students with learning disabilities and ADHD. It is also ranked in the top tier of all small colleges in the South, according to U.S. News & World Report.
January 14, 2025
Our thoughts are with all who have been affected by this disaster, especially our students, alumni, and their loved ones from California.
October 28, 2024
Beacon College is excited to announce the appointment of two highly accomplished professionals, Dr. Lynne P. Brown and Dr. Jim Hundrieser, to its Board of Trustees.
October 23, 2024
AWODtv.org was recognized with a Silver Angel Award in the American Advertising Federation Fourth District for its redesigned website.
October 2, 2024
Beacon College's retention rate continues to soar as students find a home away from home.
September 24, 2024
Beacon College in top 10 of the Best Regional Colleges by US News.
June 12, 2024
Dr. Shelly Chandler’s send-off at Beacon was full of accolades — the most prominent being the Beacon Medal, the College’s highest honor and recognition for service to college and community.
April 15, 2024
Beacon College will confer honorary doctorates on two national learning disability advocates at its Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 11, at 11 a.m. at the Brownwood Hotel & Spa.
With profound sorrow, Beacon College announces the passing of Dr. Nicoletta “Nicki” C. Nance, associate professor of human services and psychology, beloved colleague, and champion for mental health and neurodiversity. Nance passed away on Saturday, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary scholarship, mentorship, and compassion.
Nance joined the Beacon College faculty over a decade ago, bringing with her a wealth of clinical experience and academic insight. A licensed mental health counselor specializing in aging and geriatric issues, she spent 17 years operating her own practice, Nicki Betts, Inc., providing mental health and employee assistance services to individuals and organizations across Florida.
At Beacon, she taught courses such as adult aging and development, known for their academic rigor and deep humanity. Her work was instrumental in elevating Beacon’s mission to serve neurodivergent students, both through her teaching and her expert contributions to the college’s PBS television program, “A World of Difference: Embracing Neurodiversity.”
Nance was a prolific writer and contributor to the field. She authored chapters and editorial work in professional publications including the “Encyclopedia of Counseling Theories,” “Encyclopedia of Human Services and Diversity,” and “Techniques and Interventions for Substance Use Disorders.”
Her commentary was sought by major national media outlets such as Forbes, Glamour, U.S. News & World Report, and NBC-Los Angeles, and her thought-provoking op-eds appeared in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Beyond her professional achievements, Nance was a gifted poet and fiction writer. Her creative works were published in Literature Today, Mystic Minds Magazine, and several literary anthologies. She approached storytelling with the same depth, clarity, and compassion that she brought to the classroom and counseling office.
Nance will be remembered by students and colleagues as a warm, thoughtful, and deeply committed educator who inspired confidence, curiosity, and self-acceptance.
“Nicki was more than a professor — she was a guiding light whose warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication shaped the lives of so many in our community,” said President George Hagerty. “Her gentle spirit and genuine care left a mark that will not fade with time. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
For her extraordinary service and commitment, Nance became one of the handful in the college’s history honored with the Beacon Medal in 2024.
Her passing is a tremendous loss to the Beacon community and to all who were fortunate to learn from her, work alongside her, or be guided by her counsel.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Buddy Nance, whom she married in March 2002.
In honoring Dr. Nicki Nance, we reflect on a life lived with purpose, grace, and an unyielding commitment to helping others thrive.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Nicki’s memory to the Beacon College Scholarship fund.
