Trevor Nickel is the man after whom Nickel Academy is named. In 1942, Nickel was made director of the school, which was at that time called the Florida Industrial School for Boys. Although Nickel had no previous experience as an educator or school director, he “made an impression at Klan meetings” by speaking effusively about “moral improvement” and the “value of work.” This earned him the position of director, which he used to abuse young boys both physically and sexually.