Nacie Jones-Grigsby, M.S., M.A., is a second-year doctoral student in the Higher Education & Student Affairs concentration at Morgan State University and a seasoned higher education practitioner with more than 15 years of experience. Her work centers on advancing educational equity through leadership, policy, and organizational practices that support the recruitment, retention, and success of Black students, faculty, and staff.

Jones-Grigsby specializes in leadership development, retention strategies, competency frameworks, and assessment practices designed to strengthen classroom environments, leadership teams, and workplace cultures. Her practice and scholarship focus on equipping individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and capacities needed to lead effectively, foster inclusive environments, and advance equitable educational outcomes.

A first-generation college graduate, Jones-Grigsby earned her Bachelor of Arts from Washington State University and holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management, with a concentration in Leadership and Management, and a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education, both from the University of Maryland.

Jones-Grigsby’s research examines the role of social capital in the experiences of high-achieving Black students, with particular attention to how mentoring and advising relationships contribute to persistence and success. Her emerging research explores the impact of AI literacy on education and society through the lens of growth mindset. She is particularly interested in how AI can serve as a catalyst for educational equity, institutional innovation, and improved learning outcomes for Black communities.

Across her scholarship and practice, Jones-Grigsby is committed to advancing equity through education and developing individuals, institutions, and systems that create more inclusive and transformative educational experiences for all.

Pillar and Grant Support: SEL & Psychological Well-being;  A Scalable Instrument to Assess Evidence-based STEM Teaching Practices Across Institutions