Nicky Ali Jackson, Ph.D.

Nicky Ali Jackson, Ph.D. is Professor of Criminal Justice at Purdue University Northwest (PNW). She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology with a concentration in Deviance from the University of Illinois Chicago in 1992. Dr. Jackson is a Victimologist and Criminologist who is a passionate advocate for social justice working with vulnerable populations, particularly domestic violence victims and those who have been wrongfully convicted.

​Dr. Jackson is the founder and Executive Director at the Center for Justice and Post-Exoneration Assistance (CJPA) at PNW. She is also President of the Willie T. Donald Exoneration Advisory Coalition. Dr. Jackson has appeared in a variety of tv, radio, and print media outlets including People magazine, True Crime Daily, and CrimeHQ. Currently, she serves on the prison advisory boards at Indiana State Prison and Westville Correctional Center. She has also served as a Board of Director for two domestic violence shelters in Northwest Indiana.
She is a strong advocate for criminal justice reform. Recognizing that wrongly convicted persons in the state of Indiana received no financial compensation post-exoneration, she initiated conversations with state legislators to address this issue and was instrumental in the passage of HB1150. The bill was passed in 2019 and provides financial compensation for exonerated prisoners. Attending the ceremonial signing of the bill in the Governor’s office was a proud moment for her. History was made in the state of Indiana and Dr. Jackson’s tireless advocacy for those wrongfully convicted led to significant policy change.
For her efforts, she has received numerous awards including recognition by Chicago CBS News as a “Person Making a Difference” for her creation of “Mardi Bra,” a sold-out event collecting feminine products and brand new bras for homeless women in Northwest Indiana. Additionally, United Way of Porter County honored her with a Spirit Award for her service to the community and Housing Opportunities, an agency serving the homeless population in Indiana, presented her with the Volunteer of the Year award.
Her most notable honor, to date, was receiving the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the highest civilian honor granted to an Indiana resident, for her humanitarian efforts by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb.
 “Whereas, there has endeared herself to the Citizens of Indiana, one Nicky Ali Jackson, Ph.D. distinguished by her Humanity in Living, her Loyalty in Friendship, her Wisdom in Council, and her Inspiration in Leadership. Now, therefore, recognizing her greatness and desire to avail myself of her counsel, I do hereby appoint her as Chieftain upon my staff with the rank and title of Sagamore of the Wabash” Signed, Governor Eric Holcomb, August 30, 2021.
Dr. Jackson’s most noteworthy publications include the Encyclopedia of Domestic Violence in 2007 and her book, The Victimology of a Wrongful Conviction: Innocent Inmates and Indirect Victims, due to be released in July 2022.