Nikki Wooten is an associate professor in the College of Social Work as of 2025, a position she has held since 2013. She has nearly 34 years of service in the Army Reserves and Army National Guard, retiring in 2022. Her military experience informs her teaching and research. Wooten focuses on military social work and psychopathology. She teaches graduate courses in these subjects. Her research examines behavioral health services for military members and veterans. She also holds a research appointment at the William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina.
Wooten’s decision to serve was influenced by her father, who encouraged her to join the Army Reserves while in college. Her brother and other family members also served. Wooten earned a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice with a minor in women’s studies from the University of North Carolina. She originally planned to attend law school. However, an independent study with Professor Audrey Johnson at UNC’s School of Social Work led her to pursue social work. Johnson’s mentorship helped Wooten develop writing and critical thinking skills and encouraged her interest in early intervention in underserved communities…