About Mr. Combs

Raised in Cattaraugus County in what was the tiny village of Limestone (now a hamlet), I grew up watching the Buffalo news and heard about Nichols for many years.   After graduating with a class of twenty one, I went off to pursue a degree in history. 

 

I had known since reading Frederick Douglass's narrative in sixth grade that I wanted to study history.  My studies took me to the Cattaraugus County Campus of Jametown Community College, SUNY Potsdam(B.A.), St. Bonaventure University (M.A.) and ultimately to the University at Albany's doctoral program in history.  After three years of course work and service as a graduate assistant, I left the program early to take a teaching position at The Doane Stuart School

 

The next five years at Doane Stuart were amazing.  In addition to teaching a wide array of history courses in all upper school grades, I served as the Dean of Students and coached a variety of sports and clubs.  After Doane Stuart I spent two years at The Albany Academy in various capacities including teacher of history and leadership studies, Dean of Students and director and dorm parent for their small boarding program. 

 

During a year away from teaching I spent some time at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as their Graduate Admissions Coordinator.  RPI is a brilliant place that exemplifies excellence in everything it does.  Despite both my wife and I having great jobs in Albany, a tremendous professional opportunity for my wife (a Rochesterian) gave us the chance we had been waiting for to return to Western New York to be closer to family.

That is how my wife, our daughters and I came to Buffalo. We love being back in WNY and are thrilled to be members of the Nichols community.

The 2011-2012 school year will be my 5th at Nichols and my 12th year of teaching in private schools. In addition to teaching AP US history and Honors Ancient World History, I will serve as the chair of the history department, advisor to the Mock Trial and Masterminds teams and will chair the Student Conduct Committee.

Here's to another great year at Nichols!