Making Moves Monday: Pauly Nickerson

Words By Derrick Smith.

Motivational speakers do a great job at speaking and uplifting others but motivating by action is a very rare trait some possess. Pauly Nickerson is apart of that rare group. Not only is he a motivator by action but Pauly was also named Clark Atlanta University ‘Athletics Ambassador of the Year‘ in 2010 where he serves as the Athletic Director’s graduate assistant and President of the School of Business. With a bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management and a MBA in Marketing, it’s safe to say he isn’t stopping any time soon.

Keys Open Doors: Pauly Nickerson

Derrick Smith: Being a former student athlete how important is it helping others increase their GPA’s?

Pauly Nickerson: At Clark Atlanta University under the leadership of Athletic Director Dr. Tamica Jones, we have established a focus on the 3 A’s. We want our athletes to strive for academic excellence, be premier in athletics, and also be ambassadors to our Atlanta community. Therefore, we do not request but we demand our student athletes to focus on education. We have over 46 percent of our athletes with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

DS: Your big on mentoring the youth in Atlanta. How has the transition been from The Bronx to Atlanta?

PN: Being born and raised in the Bronx, New York City exposed me to the many goods and evils of society so I understand what it feels like to be in any situation across the map. Youth development has always been my passion since I was a kid growing up in the Boys & Girls Club where my dad Karl Nickerson, Sr. was the youth director. I’ve always had first hand contact with at risks youth and those who needed extra guidance.

DS: You’ve mentored many kids. Which success story meant the most to you?

PN: I can’t pinpoint one. I understand what it feels like to have food on the table and a roof over my head. However, I know so many kids in Atlanta who don’t have anywhere to enjoy recreation like we do in The Bronx, New York. 500 youth centers closed in the last 5 years in Atlanta. My word to God and our Mayor Kasim Reed, in the coming months I will begin a motivational speaking campaign in an effort to inspire youth to be the next President of the Business School or even better just like me.

DS: Where do see yourself in 2 years?

PN: I believe in action, less words. I will prove to the world the power of street knowledge and higher education.

Follow Pauly Nickerson via Twitter: @iampnick