Jonathan “JT” Terrell, a proud Nicholls State University alumnus, has served as the university’s 10
th Director of Athletics since July 2020. Heading into the 2023 academic year Terrell was elevated to one of four university Vice President’s as a member of the President’s Cabinet. A native of Slidell, Louisiana, Terrell made history as the first African American to hold this position at Nicholls, ushering in a new era of leadership grounded in excellence, integrity, and community engagement.
Educational and Athletic Background
Terrell graduated from Nicholls in 1998 and was an integral part of the Colonels football team from 1993 to 1996, playing both quarterback and wide receiver. He extended his impact on the program by serving as a student assistant coach from 1997 to 1998, and later returned in 2004 to coach quarterbacks. His firsthand experience as a student-athlete and coach has shaped his empathetic, athlete-centered approach to administration.
Professional Career
Before entering athletic administration, Terrell built a successful career in corporate sales and management, working with leading companies such as Sanofi-Aventis, Johnson & Johnson Lifescan, Novo Nordisk, and Zoll Medical LifeVest. His performance in the private sector was marked by excellence, including national recognition as the top territory manager in the country.
Athletic Success Under Terrell’s Leadership
Since taking the helm at Nicholls Athletics, Terrell has overseen a period of exceptional growth and competitive success:
- 2023 Southland Conference Champions (Football): The Colonels claimed their first conference title since 2019 and secured an NCAA playoff berth.
- 2023 & 2024 Southland Conference Tournament Champions (Baseball): Back-to-back tournament wins sent the Colonels to consecutive NCAA Regionals.
- 2020–2021 Southland Regular Season Champions (Men’s Basketball): The team went 14–2 in league play, earning Head Coach Austin Claunch Southland Coach of the Year honors.
Academic Excellence & Vision
Jonathan “JT” Terrell continues to lead Nicholls Athletics with passion, integrity, and an unyielding belief in the potential of student-athletes. His leadership has positioned Nicholls as a rising force in collegiate athletics, both in competition and in the classroom.
Terrell’s leadership extends beyond the playing field. In Spring 2020, Nicholls student-athletes achieved a record-high term GPA of
3.31 and have maintained an impressive average GPA of
3.1 across all sports since 2021—reflecting a deep commitment to academic success.
Facility Enhancements and Fundraising
Terrell has been a driving force behind major facility upgrades and capital development projects:
- Softball & Soccer Improvements: Capital outlay funding has been secured for new fieldhouses, scheduled for completion in 2026–2027. A batting cage was also funded through support from the Lorio Foundation.
- Baseball Expansion: The ongoing construction of the Henry Lafont Sr. Fieldhouse is made possible through a generous gift from Kim and Henry Lafont.
- Major Gift Initiative: In January 2025, Gaubert Oil pledged $500,000 for naming rights to the athletics covered practice facility, with funds directed toward student scholarships.
Community Involvement
Terrell is deeply rooted in service. He serves as
President of the Board for Hi-5 Inc., an after-school development program for at-risk youth and families in Thibodaux. He actively participates in community-building efforts and is a proud member of
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Family and Personal Life
Family is central to Terrell’s identity. He is the loving husband of
Taryn Percy Terrell and father to four children:
Katelyn Terrell Coleman,
Maegan Terrell,
Makena Terrell, and
Jacob Terrell. He is also affectionately known as “Poppop” to four grandchildren:
Violet,
Jet, and
Ivy Coleman, and
Colton Frank V.
The Terrell family boasts deep ties to Nicholls—his wife, children, nieces, and son-in-law,
Darius Coleman, are all alumni, along with numerous nieces, nephews.
