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Jacksonville State University Seeks the Public's Help to Locate Student James Nichols of Ohatchee

Jacksonville, AL (09/04/2025) — Jacksonville State University (Jax State) is seeking the public's assistance to locate student James Nichols, of Ohatchee, Alabama. University Police received a report late Tuesday, September 2, 2025, that Nichols had not been seen since the early morning hours of Thursday, August 28.

Nichols is believed to have departed Jax State's campus in his 1999 blue, four door, Chevrolet Malibu (Alabama tag 11AEM5U). The vehicle was recorded traveling north on Highway 431 in Glencoe at approximately 3 a.m. on August 28, and was later recorded in Pawling, New York, on Friday, August 29. The case has been entered into the national criminal justice database, and investigators are following all available leads.

"Our officers have been working around the clock since the report was made late Tuesday, and we are coordinating closely with law enforcement in New York, where James's vehicle was last spotted," said Jacksonville State University Police Chief Michael Barton. "We encourage anyone with information to call University Police or submit a tip. We look forward to locating James, connecting with him, and confirming that he is safe."

Anyone with information about James Nichols or the 1999 blue Chevrolet Malibu (AL tag 11AEM5U) is urged to contact the Jacksonville State University Police Department at 256-782-5050. If you are outside of Alabama, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

Out of respect for Nichols' family and the ongoing investigation, no further details are available at this time.

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers' college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1, or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

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