Nicholls State University, founded in 1948, is a university located in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Nicholls State is part of the University of Louisiana System of universities. Originally called Francis T. Nicholls Junior College, the institution split from the Louisiana State University system in 1956.

Nicholls State's colors are red and gray (two-tone) and their nickname is the Colonels. Nicholls State sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (I-AA for football) in the Southland Conference.