Dr. Nicole Arrighi serves as the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) at Tennessee State University, where she plays a key role in supporting the academic integrity, compliance, and overall well-being of student-athletes. In this role, she serves as a liaison between the university’s academic community and athletics department, advocating for policies and practices that align with NCAA standards while promoting student-athlete academic achievement and personal development.
Dr. Arrighi earned her academic credentials from University of Tennessee at Martin (1999), Vanderbilt University (2000), and Tennessee State University (2005).
Beyond athletics, Dr. Arrighi serves as Assistant Dean of Educator Preparation and a full professor in the College of Education. She is widely recognized for her leadership in teacher preparation, innovation in instructional practice, and commitment to student success. Her work focuses on advancing educational equity, strengthening partnerships with school districts, and integrating emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—into teaching and learning. She is the creator of the Arrighi AI “Convenience to Competency (C2) Utilization Spectrum,” a framework designed to promote sustainable, skill-based use of AI in education.
As FAR, Dr. Arrighi works closely with coaches, academic advisors, and university leadership to promote compliance, monitor academic progress, and enhance the overall student-athlete experience. Her approach reflects Tennessee State University’s motto, “Think. Work. Serve.,” emphasizing a holistic model where academic excellence and athletic achievement go hand in hand.
Outside of her professional roles, Dr. Arrighi is the mother of Jr. Tiger Club member Giselle and is an active social media advocate for TSU Athletics, known for her signature tagline, #ShowUpandROAR.
