Nikki Graves

Nicola (“Nikki”) Graves, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Practice of Organization and Management at Goizueta Business School at Emory University, where she has spent over two decades teaching professional communication strategy. Her teaching is defined by a rigorous experiential learning model that partners students with corporate and nonprofit clients to solve real-world business challenges.

Dr. Graves specializes in developing students into highly effective communicators who think critically, collaborate strategically, and deliver persuasive, high-impact presentations. Her work integrates communication strategy, storytelling, and leadership development, equipping students to perform in complex, high-stakes environments.

A recognized leader in experiential education, Dr. Graves has secured multiple grants to build Atlanta-based community-engaged learning partnerships. By embedding community partnerships into her courses, she ensures students apply communication strategies in real-world contexts—developing empathy, enhancing interpersonal effectiveness, and building the collaboration, teamwork, and presentation skills required to deliver persuasive, professional outcomes.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Graves is a certified Birkman Method executive coach who has worked with leaders and organizations on team effectiveness, conflict resolution, and communication strategy. She has designed and delivered programs for global organizations and executive audiences nationally and internationally.

Dr. Graves holds a Ph.D. in English Literature and Women’s Studies from Emory University and brings a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective to business education—blending the humanities, leadership development, and applied strategy to prepare students to lead, communicate, and influence with purpose.