Nicky Ali Jackson

Nicky Ali Jackson is a Professor of Criminal Justice and Executive Director of the Center for Justice and Post-Exoneration Assistance (CJPA) at Purdue University Northwest. She coordinates the criminal justice program and leads initiatives focused on wrongful convictions and criminal justice reform. Jackson also serves as President of the Willie T. Donald Exoneration Advisory Coalition, advocating for exonerees and systemic reforms in Indiana.

• Ph.D. in Sociology (concentration in Deviance), University of Illinois at Chicago
• M.A. in Criminal Justice, University of Illinois at Chicago
• B.S. in Criminal Justice, Ball State University

Her research and teaching emphasize wrongful convictions, victimology, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, and school violence. She advises PNW’s Criminal Justice Club and serves on boards such as the Indiana State Prison Advisory Board and the Duneland Chamber of Commerce.

Recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash award (2021) for her advocacy work and contributions to criminal justice reform. She has over 40 years of experience in research and policy, with a focus on supporting vulnerable communities and exonerees.