Nickalous Manning

With his Aspire start in 2012 as the Memphis Community Outreach and Partnerships Manager, Dr. Manning has continued to make his mark on Aspire Memphis as Principal of Hanley Elementary for two years, as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the region, and most recently as Memphis Associate Superintendent and valued member of the Senior Education Team. In 2018, Dr. Manning became Aspire’s second ever Memphis Area Superintendent.

Dr. Manning has been instrumental in several turnaround schools in Memphis, Tennessee through his work as an assistant principal, principal, and associate superintendent. During his time in these roles, all of his schools experienced double-digit academic gains. Throughout his career, Dr. Manning has received training through New Leaders for New Schools, Harvard Principals Center, Urban Education Center, and Research for Better Teaching. In his fifteen years of being an educator in both district-run public schools and public charter schools, Nickalous served in several capacities including: teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal resident, principal, director of strategic partnerships, director of curriculum, and associate superintendent.

Dr. Manning has been named Airways Teacher of the Year, was featured in the Tennessee Education Association’s training video, “Leadership Series,” and has led a host of leadership teams and professional development series. Moreover, Dr. Manning has been a distinguished lecturer at Christian Brothers University, Trevecca Nazarene University, Memphis City School’s Teaching and Learning Academy, Urban Education Center, and adjunct professor for Performance Learning Systems in conjunction with Christian Brothers University.

Dr. Manning earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in Secondary Education with concentrations and certifications in Economics and U.S. and World History.  He also completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. While completing his Doctorate at Trevecca, his dissertation on single gender education earned him the coveted Trevecca Nazarene University’s Dissertation Award.

Dr. Manning resides in Memphis, Tennessee with his wife, Lequite, and two sons, Miller and Maxwell.  In his spare time, he enjoys reading and supporting the development of children.