Nikki Elston

Dr. Nikki Elston is an Associate Teaching Professor and Assistant Dean of Academic Advising in the Department of Counseling at Wake Forest University, where she has served since July 2018. She holds licensure as a Professional Counselor (GA) and Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (NC), with certifications including Nationally Certified Counselor and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Trainer.

Education

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Practice, Georgia State University (2018)
• M.S. in College Student Development, St. Cloud State University (2003)
• B.S.B.A. in Marketing, University of West Florida (2000)

Her research examines counseling student development, suicide intervention efficacy, and college student mental health, emphasizing evidence-based training methodologies and clinical skill retention. Publications consistently explore suicide prevention frameworks, counselor preparedness, and interventions for vulnerable populations.

Awards & Honors

• R. Randy Rice Service Award (NCHO, 2022)
• Edwin Herr Fellowship (Chi Sigma Iota, 2021-2022)
• Outstanding Research Award (Chi Sigma Iota, 2019)
• Provost’s Dissertation Fellowship (Georgia State, 2018)

As Assistant Dean and Undergraduate Faculty Advisor, she oversees academic programming and advises Chi Sigma Iota’s Pi Alpha Chapter. She directs ASIST trainings nationally and serves as Senior Faculty Fellow for Collins Residence Hall. Her clinical expertise includes homelessness, substance use disorders, and refugee mental health across university and community settings.