The campaign manager for an Alabama lieutenant governor candidate recently admitted to falsely telling the media said candidate had received a PhD from the University of Alabama.

Nicole Wadsworth, a commercial real estate developer, announced in May she is running in the Republican primary.

Earlier this month, her campaign manager, Hunter Weathers, sent an email to the press asking that the news media always include Wadsworth’s academic title in news coverage about the race.

“Dr. Nicole Wadsworth has earned her academic and professional titles and should be addressed accordingly in all future correspondence and press materials,” the email read.

“Going forward, we respectfully request that she be referred to as ‘Dr. Nicole Wadsworth’ in all headlines, articles, captions, and related content.”

Weathers said Wadsworth had a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Alabama, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama at Huntsville, and a master’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology’s Huntsville campus.

He added that Wadsworth has a certification in zoning and planning from the University of North Alabama and an economic development leadership certification from Auburn University.

But on Wednesday, Weathers sent out another release admitting to error in listing Wadsworth’s credentials.

“We would like to issue a brief clarification regarding Dr. Nicole Wadsworth’s academic background,” the release reads.

“In an earlier communication, our campaign made a mistype, specifically the institution that conferred her Ph.D. It was mentioned that she completed her Ph.D. at the University of Alabama; however, she has her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.”

The release says that Wadsworth “began graduate level coursework at the University of Alabama, then transferred to the Florida Institute of Technology – Huntsville campus and earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management.”

“She completed her Ph.D. at North Central Theological Seminary, with research focused on how economic theory can be applied to understand the role of nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, in revitalizing economically distressed towns,” it continues.

“A topic that reflects her deep commitment to both economic development and improving the lives of the citizens of Alabama.”

Wadsworth’s education is not currently listed on her LinkedIn page.

Efforts to reach Florida’s North Central Theological Seminary and representatives for the University of Alabama system were not immediately successful.

“Dr. Wadsworth is committed to serving all Alabamians and will use her knowledge and expertise from the private sector to ensure that every Alabamian has the opportunity to have a good paying job without having to leave the community he or she calls home,” Wednesday’s release reads.

“Dr. Wadsworth knows that higher education and workforce development are vital to ensuring a strong Alabama, and to the more than 5 million citizens of our state.”

“Dr. Wadsworth has the experience, knowledge, and ability to ensure this goal becomes a reality as she is the most qualified candidate for the job,” it concludes.

Others running in the Republican primary for lieutenant governor are Secretary of State Wes Allen, Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, and Opelika pastor Dean Odle.

The primary is May 19, 2026.