Nikki G. Setzler was born in Asheville, North Carolina in 1945. He obtained a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Political Science and a Juris Doctorate at the University of South Carolina. Upon graduation, he worked as an associate at the law firm of Berry, Lightsey & Gibbs, where he was mentored by Harry Lightsey, who was later dean of the University's law school and President of the College of Charleston.
Mr. Setzler has served South Carolina in many ways, including the South Carolina Senate since 1977, currently representing a portion of Lexington, Aiken, and Saluda Counties. He also chaired the Senate Education Committee from 1988-2000. From 1974-1976, Nikki Setzler was a Cayce City Judge. He also served as attorney for the Town of Springdale from 1975-1977 and has served as attorney for West Columbia since 1992. Phi Delta Phi. Recipient, Carl Perkins Humanitarian of the Year Award. Commencement Speaker, Honorary Degree of Doctors of Laws from The University of South Carolina, 2009. Honorary Doctorate: Humane Letters, University of Charleston, 1992; Education, Columbia College, 1997. Public Servant of the Year, SC Chamber of Commerce, 1998