Rising Blazers Leadership

Nakia Douglas is the Founding Executive Director of TRIO and Pre Collegiate Programs at UNT Dallas. In this role, he works collaboratively with members of the University, School Districts, Business and Local Community to create engaging, nontraditional educational experiences for students throughout the DFW area. Prior to his current work, he served as the Executive Director of the South Oak Cliff Feeder Pattern in Dallas ISD. Additionally, Nakia is the Founding Principal of The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy. A twenty-two year (K-16) Educator, he has served students and communities from North Carolina, Georgetown, Pflugerville and Dallas, Texas as either a Teacher and/or Administrator.

Within his spare time, he serves the community on various boards and committees. Nakia has received several recognitions for his work in education including the KERA – American Graduate Champion, SMU Luminary Award, Trailblazer Awards, Dallas ISD Magnet Principal of the Year, and D CEO Dallas 500 (2021).

Nakia graduated from Lincoln High School in Dallas ISD. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Livingstone College and Master’s in Instructional Technology from Houston Baptist University. He and his wife, Gloria, are both career educators and have two children.