After chastising reporters last week for not referring to her as Dr. Nicole Wadsworth in stories, her campaign issued a correction on Wednesday to a previous statement claiming she has a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama.
According to Wadsworth's campaign, the claim was a "mistype."
Hunter Weathers, a campaign manager for Wadsworth for Lieutenant Governor, said in a statement on Wednesday, “We would like to issue a brief clarification regarding Dr. Nicole Wadsworth's academic background. In an earlier communication, our campaign made a mistype, specifically the institution that conferred her Ph.D. It was mentioned that she completed her Ph.D. at the University of Alabama; however, she has her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She began graduate level coursework at the University of Alabama, then transferred to the Florida Institute of Technology - Huntsville campus and earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management. She completed her Ph.D. at North Central Theological Seminary, with research focused on how economic theory can be applied to understand the role of nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, in revitalizing economically distressed towns. A topic that reflects her deep commitment to both economic development and improving the lives of the citizens of Alabama.”
“Dr. Wadsworth is committed to serving all Alabamians and will use her knowledge and expertise from the private sector to ensure that every Alabamian has the opportunity to have a good paying job without having to leave the community he or she calls home. Her vision is centered on empowering every Alabamian, from the high school student to the veteran, by investing in people through education, workforce training, and opportunity. With a lifetime of industry-related private sector experience, Dr. Wadsworth knows that Alabama's strength still grows from the ground up. She is committed to ensuring that we build Alabama, together. That belief is not theoretical, it's backed by decades of experience, action, and results,” Weathers said. “Dr. Wadsworth knows that higher education and workforce development are vital the ensuring a strong Alabama, and to the more than 5 million citizens of our state. Ensuring that every Alabamian is afforded the opportunity to receive a quality education and/or workforce development and training are essential to the quality of life that everyone deserves. Dr. Wadsworth has the experience, knowledge, and ability to ensure this goal becomes a reality as she is the most qualified candidate for the job.”
State Rep. Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley) said in an email to 1819 News last week that Nicole has a Ph.D. in economics.
“Further, in a prior article the publication refers to her as Nicole Wadsworth and refers to Rick Pate as Ag Commissioner and Wes Allen as Secretary of State. Dr. Nicole Wadsworth has PhD in Economics and Masters of Business Administration and a Masters of Science in Contracts. She is due the same respect and should be referred to as Dr. Nicole Wadsworth. She has earned that respect,” State Rep. Wadsworth said last week.
North Central Theological Seminary doesn’t list economics as a Ph.D. option on their website.
According to the school's website, North Central Theological Seminary is accredited by a religious organization not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education.
Wadsworth is seeking the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth is term-limited from seeking another term.
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