Edward Frederick Nickoley (1873–1937)

Portrait of Edward Nickoley, 1920

Archives and Special Collections, Jafet Library, AUB

Edward F. Nickoley (1873–1937) was an influential educator and administrator who played a key role in shaping the early development of the American University of Beirut (AUB). Born in Illinois, he earned his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois before arriving in Beirut in 1900 to establish the School of Commerce at the Syrian Protestant College.

Actors of a Student Play 1915 with Dr. Edward Nickoley

As principal and later professor of economics, Nickoley helped define the school’s academic vision. In 1919, he became Acting President following Howard Bliss’s departure, leading the institution through the difficult post–World War I years. Appointed Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences in 1924, he laid the groundwork for modern university education at AUB. He served as Acting Principal of International College (1936–1937).