Page 21 - RE-NJ

IN
MEMORIAM
REMEMBERING JOE NICHOLSON:
‘TIRELESS,’ PASSIONATE LEADER OF
MONTCLAIR REAL ESTATE PROGRAM
By Joshua Burd
The state’s commercial real estate
community is grieving the loss of
Joseph Nicholson, a popular Montclair
State University professor who
became a familiar face in the industry
as he built the school’s real estate
program over more than a decade.
Nicholson died Saturday, May 17,
at age 46, according to an obituary
and a LinkedIn post written by his
wife. His passing was “not only
unexpected but shocking as well,”
she wrote, prompting an outpouring
of condolences from colleagues,
former students and other real estate
professionals in New Jersey who
worked with him in various capacities.
“It is with profound sadness that I
announce the passing of my beloved
husband Joseph and loving father to
our two boys,” Candance Nicholson
wrote in the post, later adding: “We are
overwhelmed with grief … Joe truly
enjoyed his role over the years as an
Associate Professor at Montclair State
University. He was heartfelt when it
came to the guidance and mentoring
of his students to pursue and achieve
their professional and educational
endeavors. He was very dedicated in
his profession and in personal life as
a husband and father. Words cannot
fully express the heavy loss.”
Nicholson, who earned a Ph.D. in real
estate from the University of Georgia,
joined Montclair State in 2013 as an as-
sistant professor in the department of
economics and fi nance. His role grew
over time along-
side the univer-
sity’s degree
and certifi cate
programs in real
estate, which
he coordinated
while mentoring
students and or-
Joseph Nicholson
ganizing events
that helped connect them with estab-
lished professionals in the industry.
Kimberly Hollister, dean of Montclair’s
Feliciano School of Business, said
Nicholson had a profound impact
on the school and its real estate
programs.
“He worked tirelessly to build a
program that not only served our
students but also engaged the regional
real estate community,” Hollister wrote
in an email to Real Estate NJ. “At the
heart of everything Joe did were his
students — he was deeply committed
to their success, helping them secure
internships and job opportunities, and
bringing industry leaders onto our
Real Estate Advisory Board to ensure
they were prepared for the real world.
Joe’s warm, engaging personality
made him a beloved fi gure on campus.
He connected with students in ways
that were both inspiring and deeply
personal. His loss is felt across our
community.”
NAIOP New Jersey CEO Dan Kennedy
added: “Dr. Joseph Nicholson was
a tireless advocate for his students
and our industry in New Jersey. We
value our relationships with our
university partners and depend on
leaders like Joe to create the pipeline
for the future of our next developing
leaders. Additionally, Joe served as a
Deal of the Year judge for our Chapter
annually and contributed greatly to the
creativity of this important process.
He will be missed by the Chapter team
and our members.”
Nicholson was an expert in real
estate investment trusts, real estate
fi nance, gentrifi cation and other areas.
The Memphis native also taught real
estate courses at the University of
Georgia, one of the top real estate
programs in the country, while he had
other professional experience in both
fi nance as an institutional bond analyst
and real estate as a project manager.
Among those sharing their
condolences on LinkedIn were Andrea
Fiorenza, a fi nancial analyst with G.S.
Wilcox & Co. in Morristown, who
wrote: “Dr. Nicholson had a way of
™ 19
making everyone feel seen. He always
shared a smile and helped guide so
many students toward their careers.
His impact won’t be forgotten. Keeping
his family in my prayers!”
Michael McGuinness, who preceded
Kennedy as NAIOP New Jersey
CEO, called Nicholson “a passionate
man who cared deeply about his
responsibilities.”
“I enjoyed his company on numerous
occasions and stories about the
South,” McGuinness wrote on
LinkedIn. “When we traveled to
Scotland last year for a family trip,
and had diffi culty fi nding lodging, he
offered to let us use his property on
the Isle of Skye. He was a good soul
and I will miss his voice and smile.”
Nicholson’s wife said his family
was holding a memorial service and
celebration of life in Tuscaloosa,
Alabama, at a later date. He was an
avid supporter of and donor to St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital,
she added, inviting contributions and
donations in his honor.
CONDOLENCES
(VIA LINKEDIN)
MATT GRUNDY
RIPCO REAL ESTATE
I am very sorry to hear about the
passing of Professor Nicholson. I
was lucky enough to be a part of
his fi rst graduating class in the
Real Estate Program at MSU. His
dedication and care for his stu-
dents was unmatched and unlike
anything I’ve ever experienced in
my educational journey. He will
be remembered for spearheading
the real estate school and develop-
ing a curriculum that is incredi-
bly useful in the real world work
environment. I will be forever
grateful for meeting and getting
to learn from Professor Nichol-
son. With love, Matt
DAVID BARRAND
BBG REAL ESTATE SERVICES
I was honored when he asked
me to be on the MSU Real Estate
Board and was looking forward
to working more with him. He
displayed a great interest in
his students, really working to
ensure the best outcomes for
them. He also worked hard to put
together an excellent and talented
Board that would provide the best
opportunities for his students. In
all my discussions with him he
showed great compassion and a
dedication to teaching. I am so
sorry for your loss.
www. KEAengineers.com
www. KEAengineers.com
Engineering Excellence Since
Engineering Excellence Since
1984
1984
186 S Wood Ave, Iselin NJ
186 S Wood Ave, Iselin NJ
08830
08830
732-635-0044
732-635-0044
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire
Protection, Energy Modeling and
Protection, Energy Modeling and
Consulting Engineers
Consulting Engineers
KEA
KEA
ENGINEERS
ENGINEERS