Nicole Wadsworth, candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama in 2026, and an emergency clarification about her academic credentials, is proving to be even more bizarre than it seems.

Her campaign initially told news outlets that she held a PhD in economics from the University of Alabama – a claim she has now walked back – and the university has since denied. 

In that statement sent earlier today, the campaign now claims that she completed her PhD through North Central Theological Seminary – a Florida-based, online religious organization not accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. According to NCTS’s website, it is accredited only internally, and holds no regional or national accreditation – but says it is currently seeking it.

Its degrees are not transferable nor accepted by other universities, and are “not intended for employment purposes.” 

RELATED: “Dr.” Nicole Wadsworth falsely claimed University of Alabama PhD, campaign admits

Yellowhammer News is still awaiting verification from Florida Institute of Technology regarding two purported master’s degrees – one in business and one in contract management – in accordance with thorough federal privacy guidelines. A spokesperson for the university noted that the Huntsville distance learning site has since been closed. 

As previously reported, Wadsworth, formerly Nicole Jones, listed on an online profile she created to promote “Nicole Jones Commercial Real Estate” formed in April 2012 that she holds a Doctor of Theology (ThD) in Faith and Public Policy. 

North Central Theological Seminary, where she claimed she earned her PhD from, offers a ThD – but also in an honorary form – which the organization describes as “an honor being bestowed on you because we believe you have deep knowledge of the bible based on the score you archived on your evaluation test.”

The online real estate profile created by Jones makes no mention of the surname she uses currently – Wadsworth – and features no references to her personal or professional career after the year 2018. 

In that profile, as well as on her commercial real estate website and campaign website, Wadsworth also claims, “Troy University established the Nicole Jones Student Excellence Award in Economics in her honor — a tribute to her leadership and dedication to students.”

Troy University clarified in a statement to Yellowhammer News on Wednesday that the recognition is not by any means a formal honor for one individual in particular, but rather, an opportunity for local stakeholders to contribute to the university community. 

“Nicole Jones Development was one of several businesses and individuals who made financial contributions to the 2018 Sorrell College of Business Awards Luncheon, which recognized outstanding undergraduate and graduate students. Sponsors for the event were acknowledged in the official program, and those who supported specific awards had the opportunity to have the award named in their honor,” Troy University said in a statement. 

“That year, Nicole J. Wadsworth sponsored the undergraduate economics award, which was presented as the Nicole Jones Economics Student Excellence Award.”

The university added that it is deeply appreciative of all donors who support and celebrate student achievement in academics and research.

Requests for comments left with Nicole Wadsworth’s campaign for Lt. Governor, State Rep. Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley), and the candidate personally, were left unreturned.