After demanding to be referred to as “Dr.” by news organizations in their coverage of the 2026 Alabama Lieutenant Governor’s race – it turns out that Nicole Wadsworth does not have the PhD she claimed.

A campaign spokesperson for Wadsworth, age 41, explicitly described her credentials to Yellowhammer News in a statement last week.

“She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, a master’s from the Florida Institute of Technology (Huntsville campus), and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama. She also holds an Economic Development Leadership Certification from Auburn and an Alabama Planning and Zoning Certification from the University of North Alabama,” the campaign spokesperson wrote.

The same campaign spokesperson specifically told another news outlet last week that her PhD from the University of Alabama was in economics. 

According to one of the many online profiles created by Wadsworth, formerly Nicole Jones, to promote a commercial real estate group she formed in April 2012, she holds a Doctor of Theology  (Th.D) in Faith and Public Policy – however no institution is listed. 

Without context, the Wadsworth campaign released a statement on Wednesday morning saying that she does not in fact have a PhD from The University of Alabama.

“We would like to issue a brief clarification regarding Dr. Nicole Wadsworth’s academic background. In an earlier communication, our campaign made a mistype, specifically the institution that conferred her Ph.D. It was mentioned that she completed her Ph.D. at the University of Alabama,” a campaign spokesperson wrote.

The statement goes on to claim that Wadsworth does hold an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and that Wadsworth “began graduate level coursework at the University of Alabama, then transferred to the Florida Institute of Technology – Huntsville campus and earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management.”

Ultimately, Wadsworth claims she “completed” her PhD at North Central Theological Seminary – an institution that she has never publicly listed across her expansive web presence.

Yellowhammer News requested verification of Wadsworth’s degree credentials from the University of Alabama System and Florida Institute of Technology.

A spokesperson for the University of Alabama System responded in a statement on Wednesday afternoon saying, “The University of Alabama does not have any record of Nicole Jones Wadsworth obtaining a degree at UA. Due to federal privacy laws, we are unable to provide additional information.”

Alabama news outlets became suspicious of Wadsworth’s credentials when a memo was distributed to media organizations effectively demanding they refer to her as “Dr.” Nicole Wadsworth in their coverage. However, the designation of “Dr.” is reserved in news reporting only for those who have earned their Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)

In a recent radio appearance, Wadsworth claimed she has never run for public office prior to seeking the Lt. Governorship now in the 2026 election cycle. 

However, while under the name Nicole Jones from a previous marriage – prior to her relationship with State Rep. Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley) – she ran for office twice.

First, as a Republican for Alabama State Senate District 7 in 2017 – which she filed paperwork for with the Alabama Secretary of State’s office during the 2018 election cycle – before dissolving the campaign in August 2017. 

Instead, she opted to run for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, and campaigned for the office until March 2018, months short of the June 2018 primary election date. 

A news report from July 2017 detailed her campaign for Ag Commissioner. 

“Over the past several weeks I have prayerfully considered where to best leave a legacy in our State, and the Lord presented an opportunity that overwhelmed my heart. At this time, I would be honored to have your support as I run for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries,” she was quoted as saying. 

At that time, she reported that she was “working on a Doctorate in Theology…”

Updated — Included official response from the University of Alabama System (12:31 p.m.) and to clarify that no confirmation of marriage could yet be obtained between Nicole Jones and State Rep. Tim Wadsworth (8:23 p.m.)