Dr. Niki Peel, a native of Mississippi, joined the College of Education and Professional Studies at Jacksonville State University in 2024, where she currently teaches in the Instructional Leadership program. She extends a variety of knowledge and experience to the educational platform having served as a district administrator, middle and elementary school principal, high school and elementary assistant principal, as well as a high school teacher and coach throughout the last 30 years. Dr. Peel’s professional background includes a Ph.D. and Ed.S. degree in educational leadership from the University of Mississippi, a M.S. degree in instructional technology from Mississippi State University, and a B.A. degree in Journalism from the University of Mississippi. Dr. Peel is an Apple Distinguished Educator and has received a variety of other accolades over her P-K public education career.
As an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Professional Studies, Dr. Peel is dedicated to supporting effective and innovative instructional leadership that empowers educators and administrators. She emphasizes the importance of collaborative decision-making, ongoing professional development, and the use of data-driven practices to drive school improvement and enhance student outcomes. Dr. Peel is committed to advancing teaching and learning by fostering effective educational leadership, emphasizing best practices, mentoring, and the promotion of equitable and inclusive opportunities for all. Her research interest includes effective mentorship programs, instructional technology integration, and the impacts of artificial intelligence in education.
Dr. Peel enjoys spending time with her husband, Keith, her bloodhound, Sadie, and two basset hounds, Copper and Maggie. She also enjoys traveling, reading, and enjoying the outdoors through cycling, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and other types of outdoor adventures.
