NIKKI NORRIS, CMAA (East Lansing), has dedicated more than three decades to education-based athletics as a teacher, coach, administrator, and statewide leader, consistently placing students and communities at the center of her work.

Her career began at Crystal Middle/High School in Carson City from 1992–1999, where she taught science and coached volleyball and basketball. She continued her classroom and coaching career at Corunna High School from 1999–2010, teaching science and physical education while coaching basketball and volleyball. In 2010, Nikki transitioned into administration at Corunna High School, serving eight years as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. Since 2018, she has served as Director of Athletics at East Lansing High School, leading one of Michigan’s most visible and complex athletic programs with professionalism, balance, and vision.

A graduate of Ithaca High School, Nikki earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Exercise and Health Science from Alma College, a Master of Science in Biological Science from Michigan State University, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.

Nikki is deeply involved in professional service, holding leadership roles within the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, including Recording Secretary, Second Vice President, President, and Past President, and maintaining active membership in the NIAAA and the Global Community of Women in High School Sports. Her statewide and national contributions include co-chairing the MIAAA Annual Conference Program Committee, presenting at MIAAA conferences, serving as Michigan’s representative to NIAAA Section IV and caucus meetings, presenting at MHSAA Women in Sports Leadership conferences, and facilitating NADC workshops. Nikki’s leadership has been recognized with honors including Region 7 Athletic Director of the Year, the Women in Sports Leadership Award, and the Allen W. Bush Meritorious Service Award.

Her service to the broader community includes extensive MHSAA committee work, tournament hosting and administration across multiple sports, conference scheduling leadership, officiating volleyball, CAP instruction, and compassionate leadership during moments of community loss. As CAAC Commissioner Tom Hunt notes, “Nikki understands and embraces the work of athletic administration and completes it in a quality, professional manner that is student- and community-centered… she truly ‘gets it.’” Nikki Norris’s integrity, dedication, and lifelong commitment to educational athletics continue to shape meaningful experiences for student-athletes across Michigan.