Biography:
Dr. Nikita Y. Harris is a Teaching and Learning Consultant. In this role, she partners with faculty to strengthen teaching excellence and implement instructional strategies that are evidence-based and student-centered.
Dr. Harris’ deep background in higher education includes significant experience across diverse academic roles. Her expertise is particularly strong in online learning and teaching, faculty development, and the design of innovative academic programs. As a leader, she has been instrumental in creating and expanding online academic initiatives at Columbus State University in Georgia and The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Her past roles have included Associate Professor of Organizational Communication, Associate Chair and Director of Curriculum for Online Programs, Graduate Program and Assessment Coordinator.
She earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Communication from Howard University, a M.A. in Communication from Auburn University, and a B.A. in Speech Communication with an emphasis in Rhetoric from Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Harris was also a Doctoral Fellow at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Public Service Fellow at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, experiences that add to her breadth of knowledge and expertise in teaching, learning and faculty development.
Selected Awards:
2025 Awujo Oluranlowo Award for Community Engagement (NCA)
2022 Women’s Leadership Award for Student Mentorship (Women’s Athletics, University of Alabama Tuscaloosa)
2010 Educator of the Year Award for Teaching Excellence (Columbus State University)