COL Nicholas H. Gist, Ph.D.

COL Nicholas Gist is an associate professor and head of the Department of Physical Education at the United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York.

The Alpine, California, native was commissioned as a second lieutenant of aviation upon graduation from USMA in 1994, where he earned a bachelor's degree in life science. Following completion of flight school at Fort Novosel, Alabama, Gist served as assistant airfield operations officer, platoon leader, and airfield/detachment operations officer at Polk Army Airfield, Fort Polk, Louisiana. He then served as assistant battalion operations officer for the 2nd Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, 17th Aviation Brigade, forward deployed in the Republic of Korea. 

While in Korea, he commanded Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 2-52nd Aviation Regiment. After earning a master's degree in exercise science from the University of Georgia, Gist was assigned to USMA, where he served as an instructor in the Department of Physical Education. 

Following completion of intermediate level education at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Gist was again forward deployed to the Republic of Korea. He served in consecutive assignments as executive officer for the 602nd Aviation Support Battalion and 3-2nd Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. His next assignment was as deputy chief, Stability Support Transition Team, in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn in Ninewa Province, Iraq, as a member of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. 

Upon his return from Iraq, Gist completed graduate studies and earned a doctorate in exercise physiology at the University of Georgia. In his second tour in the Department of Physical Education, he was selected as an academy professor and served as the department’s deputy director. In the summer of 2014, he completed a short combat tour in Regional Command-South as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Kandahar, Afghanistan. 

In April 2015, he assumed his current responsibilities as head of the Department of Physical Education with the historical title of “Master of the Sword." From August 2016 to May 2017, Gist deployed to Afghanistan with 1st Cavalry Division as Chief of the Commander’s Action Group. He continues to serve as Master of the Sword. 

His military education includes the Aviation Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Initial Entry Rotary Wing Flight School, Combined Arms Services staff School, Master Fitness Trainer Course, CH-47 Aircraft Qualification Course, and Intermediate Level Education (Command and General Staff College). Gist’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters). He is a Senior Army Aviator and has earned the Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge. 

Gist is married to the former Dea Marie Newman and has two children, Madeleine (USMA 2021) and Graham (USMA 2024).