Nicole Hodges Persley

Nicole Hodges Persley is a Professor of American Studies and African & African American Studies at the University of Kansas, and currently serves as Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. She also holds the role of Artistic Director of the KC Melting Pot Theatre, an African American theater company in Kansas City. Her academic work bridges scholarship and performance, focusing on Hip-hop Studies, African American performance, and cultural critique. Persley’s research explores the intersection of theater, film, and Hip-hop culture, with notable contributions like Sampling and Remixing Blackness in Hip Hop Performance (2021) and Breaking It Down: Auditioning for Artists of the Global Majority (2021).

Her artistic career includes directorial credits for plays such as Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, Angelina Grimké’s Rachel, and Lewis J. Morrow’s Ain’t No Such Thing as Midnight Black. She has also produced films like Epiphany (2020) and co-created streaming series Ville and Blurry. Persley’s work emphasizes equity in theater education and institutional diversity, reflected in her leadership roles and advocacy for inclusive pedagogy.

Her publications span journals like Theatre Journal and Palimpsest, addressing themes such as Black feminist performance, Hip-hop’s influence on global theater, and diversity in academic programs. She is a member of professional organizations including SAG/AFTRA and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. Persley’s interdisciplinary approach integrates scholarly research with artistic practice, fostering dialogue between academia and the entertainment industry.