In Memoriam: Hanni Nichols
June 26, 2025 - Blythe White
Mathematician, Traveler, and Friend to Many
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Hanni Nichols, senior teaching professor of LBC mathematics, who died on June 18, 2025, at the age of 58. She was supported by family and friends.
Hanni was a Briggsie Spartan through and through. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in systems science with a concentration in environmental science from Lyman Briggs in 1995. She then earned a Master of Science degree in mathematics from MSU in 1999 and began teaching mathematics in Lyman Briggs in 2001, eventually rising to senior academic specialist. A talented and caring math educator, generous mentor, and humor-loving colleague, Hanni left an indelible mark on the Lyman Briggs College and MSU communities.
A Dedication to Student Learning
Hanni had a passion for making complex mathematical concepts understandable to her students. Her teaching was thorough; she explained concepts with patience, worked with individual students with care, and was generous with her time. She was known as a night owl, holding office hours in the late evenings in her vibrantly decorated East Holmes Hall office, so LBC students could stop by and ask questions at a convenient time for many of them. In addition to teaching multiple levels of calculus, Hanni taught college algebra and helped support even the newest Briggs students in New Student Orientation and the Briggs Summer Scholars Program.
Gerald Urquhart, associate professor of LBC biology and fisheries and wildlife, shares Hanni's Briggs alum-and-faculty-member status. He writes, "Hanni was one of the best instructors at MSU. As a fellow Lyman Briggs alum, I loved hearing from students how Hanni completely changed their views on math. She turned so many who thought they couldn't do math into students with a passion for it."
In 2012, Hanni was one of four MSU faculty members to receive the Distinguished Academic Staff Award for a comprehensive and sustained record of excellence in teaching. To be eligible for the award, nominees needed a minimum of ten years of continuous MSU employment as an academic specialist. Of note, 2012 was the earliest Hanni could have won that award.
Countless students praised Hanni's teaching and recommended her classes to other students. In fact, for a time, Hanni had the highest "Rate My Professor" score among math professors at MSU. In 2016, a former student wrote, "There's a reason Hanni is one of the highest rated profs at MSU. I've had her for LB118: Calculus I, and LB119: Calculus II, and I can honestly say I've never learned math in a more meaningful, lasting way. Hanni gives you every opportunity to succeed and is incredibly brilliant at teaching calculus in the best way for you to understand it."
Hanni's teaching also inspired her colleagues. Abe Edwards, associate teaching professor of LBC mathematics, writes, "Hanni's greatest gift was not simply her love of mathematics, but the boundless generosity with which she shared it. She believed in her students, especially those who didn't yet believe in themselves. She made mathematics feel welcoming. Her classroom was a space where students felt safe, capable, even joyful. Her love of teaching will continue to echo in all of us who were lucky enough to share this life with her."
A Love of Life, Living Beings, and Travel
Outside of the university, Hanni had a love for animals — especially cats — and an insatiable desire to travel. She asked friends and family to share her experiences, whether by accompanying her or by witnessing her during- and after-the-fact- photos on social media. Those who knew her would often expect photos of animals in her travel reports.
In the summer of 2019, Hanni brought together her love of teaching and her love of travel by leading a study abroad program called “Natural and Human Environments” in Australia, with former LBC biology faculty member Cassie Dresser-Briggs. They and biological researcher Steve Nichols led 22 Briggsies across Queensland, Australia, to experience a wide range of ecological habitats, nature conservancies and museums. Reflecting on their friendship and collaborative teaching, Dresser-Briggs writes, “Hanni has inspired me to live life to the fullest, as she did."
Honoring Hanni
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date, and all members of the Briggs community are welcome. The family has invited those who wish to honor the memory of Hanni through donations to give a gift to the charity of their choosing. You may read Hanni's obituary online.
With Gratitude and Sorrow
LBC Dean Kendra Spence Cheruvelil writes, "Hanni centered students in a way that is hard to adequately describe. Her late-night office hours, weekend study sessions, and learning assistant mentoring are legendary. Hanni consistently sent love out into the world, and we all benefited from her being in our community."
We grieve the loss of such a vibrant member of our community and extend our deepest condolences to Hanni's family, friends, students, and colleagues. Her legacy lives on in the minds she challenged with math concepts, the careers she shaped through mentorship, and the lives she touched through curiosity and caring.
MSU faculty, advisors and staff, and students seeking emotional support are encouraged to reach out to university resources: The Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families, and Counseling and Psychiatric Services for students.
Photos: Left Hanni, 3 LBC students, and Steve Nichols in a helicopter over Fraser Island, in Australia. Right: Hanni by Dry Falls, North Carolina, in 2017 (photo by Michael Gerhart, Hanni's brother)