Raymond F. Nichols served as chancellor of the University of Kansas from 1972 to 1973.

Nichols earned a bachelor's degree in 1926 and a master's in 1928, both in journalism and from KU, working as editor for the University Daily Kansan and for the Jayhawker while a student. In 1929, Nichols joined the KU staff as executive secretary to the chancellor. Starting in 1944, his title changed to include both executive secretary and assistant to the chancellor. In 1962, he became the university's first vice chancellor for finance, serving in that role through 1969.

In 1969, Nichols received KU's Distinguished Service Citation, and, in 1977, he received the Fred Ellsworth Medallion, the KU Alumni Association's highest award for service to the university.

Nichols, who worked for 44 years at KU, retired in 1973. During his 44 years of service to KU, he witnessed and influenced major changes on the Lawrence campus. After his retirement he proposed an oral history project to the KU Retirees' Club to collect the voices and words of individuals who had worked with KU. Nichols passed away in October 1999 at the age of 95.