Dr. Natalie Nichols has been named Round Rock ISD’s new Senior Chief of Schools and Innovation.
With over 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Nichols spent a decade serving Round Rock ISD in two major leadership roles. She was the first appointed Area Superintendent of the Stony Point Learning Community from 2017 to 2021 and for six years prior to that was the principal of Round Rock High School, the District’s largest campus. Before these leadership roles, Dr. Nichols held positions as associate and assistant principal and campus instructional specialist. In her most recent role at Abl Schools, she supported success for public school districts across the nation through the use of educational technology.
“It’s an honor to be given the opportunity to return and serve the entire Round Rock ISD community as Senior Chief of Schools and Innovation,” Dr. Nichols said. “I believe that empowering others with knowledge, specifically the underserved, has the power to change not only a single student, but also a family. This is what fuels me. I look forward to the opportunity to work with the entire Round Rock ISD community to design systems for emotional, mental and academic impact.”
Dr. Nichols holds a doctorate in education degree with a focus on learning and organizational change from Baylor University, a master’s degree in educational administration from Tarleton State University, and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Maryland. A native of Trinidad, Dr. Nichols grew up with her parents and sisters in New York. She joined the United States Army after high school where she learned to repair and maintain HVAC systems. She earned her bachelor’s degree while in the military, finishing her last classes while deployed in a war zone. She learned perseverance and resilience through these experiences and never misses an opportunity to share those lessons with students.
“Dr. Nichols is an outstanding instructional leader with a passion for building relationships, collaborating and creating systems that support the success of all students,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Hafedh Azaiez said. “I have no doubt that she will continue to do great things on behalf of our community.”
As Senior Chief, Dr. Nichols will oversee the District’s Area Superintendents as well as departments including Health Services, Fine Arts, and Athletics.
