Major Nicholson graduated from The Citadel in May 2008 and reported directly to Quantico, Virgina where he attended Officer Candidate School, The Basic School, and Infantry Officer's Course.

In July 2009, Major Nicholson was assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 3d Battalion, 8th Marines and served as a Rifle Platoon Commander and a Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon Commander. During this tour Major Nicholson deployed on the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Major Nicholson was then transferred to Quantico, Virginia in May 2013 and reported to The Basic School. During this assignment, he served as a Warfighting Instructor, a Staff Platoon Commander for Basic Officer Courses 1-14, 5-14, and Warrant Officer Basic Course 1-15 before assuming the duties of the Officer in Charge of the Instructor Education Program.

In February 2016, Major Nicholson reported to Fort Benning, Georgia and attended the Maneuver Captains Career Course, graduating with honors. Major Nicholson was then assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and assumed Command of Company C. During this tour he deployed as the Security Force Commander for Task Force Southwest, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Major Nicholson departed 1st Battalion, 2d Marines in May 2018 and reported to Quantico, Virginia where he attended Command and Staff College, graduating with a Master of Arts in Military studies as a Distinguished Graduate.

In June 2019, Major Nicholson assumed command of Recruiting Station Nashville. After completing a successful tour, Major Nicholson reported to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines in July 2022 to serve as the Battalion Executive Officer, where he is presently serving.

His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Major Nicholson is married to the former Kimberly Watson and they have three sons.