1981 Nicholson
Freda Nicholson was nominated for WBT’s Woman of Year award for her ability to inspire confidence in others, her professionalism, her good judgment, and her administrative abilities. Nicholson holds a degree in nursing from Queens College and a master’s degree in education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). In 1981 Nicholson was selected to be the Executive Director of Charlotte’s new Discovery Place while also being elected as the Chief Director of Science Museums of Charlotte, Inc. Many people doubted Charlotte’s ability to host such museums and were proven wrong thanks to Nicholson’s determination and fundraising skills. Nicholson was also involved with the Hall of Health at Charlotte Nature Museum, where she was the Curator of Health and Curator of Education. Nicholson taught nursing courses at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) and at UNCC as well. Nicholson also was on the Board of the Association of Science Technology Centers and the Board of Directors of the March of Dimes and was a member of the North Carolina Museum Council and the American Association of Museums. Along with all these accomplishments Nicholson is married and raised six children.