Lieutenant Colonel Nicholson graduated from The Citadel in May 2008 and reported directly to Quantico, Virgina where he attended Officer Candidate School, The Basic School, and Infantry Officer's Course.
In July 2009, LtCol Nicholson was assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 3d Battalion, 8th Marines and served as a Rifle Platoon Commander and a Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon Commander. During this tour LtCol Nicholson deployed on the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
LtCol Nicholson was then transferred to Quantico, Virginia in May 2013 and reported to The Basic School. During this assignment, he served as a Warfighting Instructor, a Staff Platoon Commander for Basic Officer Courses 1-14, 5-14, and Warrant Officer Basic Course 1-15 before assuming the duties of the Officer in Charge of the Instructor Education Program.
In February 2016, LtCol Nicholson reported to Fort Benning, Georgia where he attended the Maneuver Captains Career Course, graduating with honors. LtCol Nicholson was then assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and assumed Command of Company C. During this tour he deployed as the Security Force Commander for Task Force Southwest, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.
LtCol Nicholson departed 1st Battalion, 2d Marines in May 2018 and reported to Quantico, Virginia where he attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, graduating with a Master of Arts in Military studies as a Distinguished Graduate.
In June 2019, LtCol Nicholson assumed command of Recruiting Station Nashville, Tennessee. After completing a successful tour, LtCol Nicholson reported to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines in July 2022 to serve as the Battalion Executive Officer. During this tour, he deployed as the Battalion Landing Team Executive Officer with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) to the European Command theater of operations.
Departing 1st Battalion, 6th Marines in July 2024, LtCol Nicholson briefly served in the current operations section of 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade before reporting to Camp Pendleton, California, 1st Marine Division where he served in the current operations section.
His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and the Combat Action Ribbon.