Meet Mayor Monroe Nichols: PartnerTulsa Board Chair and Champion for Progress

On December 2, 2024, Monroe Nichols was sworn in as Tulsa’s 41st mayor, making history as the city’s first African American mayor. His journey to Tulsa began as a student-athlete at the University of Tulsa, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics before furthering his education with a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

With a career spanning government, private business, higher education and the nonprofit sector, Mayor Nichols has remained dedicated to driving meaningful change for Tulsa residents. Prior to his mayoral tenure, he served as the representative for House District 72 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and chaired the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus. His leadership has consistently focused on expanding economic opportunities, improving public safety and strengthening education.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mayor Nichols is deeply rooted in the Tulsa community. He and his son, Gavin, proudly call the city home, and his vision for Tulsa is one of progress, equity and opportunity for all. In this month’s Trustee Highlight, PartnerTulsa Board Chair Mayor Nichols shares insights into his journey, his passion for public service, and his key priorities for Tulsa’s future.

What unique aspects of your personal journey or professional experience have shaped your connection to Tulsa?

Although I was raised in Texas, Tulsa has always felt like home. When I started playing football at the University of Tulsa, I fell in love with this city and knew I wanted to establish roots here after I graduated. After graduating, I joined former Mayor Kathy Taylor’s administration – an experience that really kick-started my career in public service. Working at the City of Tulsa helped me discover my passion for serving the community. Since then, I’ve raised a kid here and had the opportunity to serve in many unique ways, including in elected roles on the Tulsa Tech Board of Education, the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and now as mayor – Tulsa is just part of the fabric of who I am. I arrived in Tulsa as an 18-year-old college student and was able to build an amazing life. So, I like to say that while I was raised in Texas, I grew up in Tulsa. 

 Your career reflects a deep commitment to public service. What inspired your decision to pursue leadership in public office?

My family has a history of public service. In fact, my grandfather was a pastor, my father was a police officer, and my mom spent her career as a criminal justice and higher education professional. When some of your biggest inspirations come from those who take a career path of service, it’s contagious. I learned from the people I loved the most; it’s just that simple. 

What are your key priorities for Tulsa?

This year, and in the years ahead, we will work to end homelessness by 2030, improve student outcomes, expand economic opportunity, make Tulsa the safest big city in America, increase affordable housing, and improve relations with tribal governments. By doing these things, we are investing in ourselves and the communities we serve. All these things are interconnected in one way or another, and we must prioritize them all if we want to win the next decade in Tulsa. I believe we’ve laid the foundation, and it will take all of us together now to build and create the city we all know we’re capable of being.