Nika Zibzibadze
Student Success Coach
What I do
Coaching Philosophy
I approach student success coaching as a partnership grounded in trust, reflection, and purposeful action. My goal is to help students recognize their strengths, understand the barriers they are facing, and turn their priorities into achievable steps. I believe students thrive when they receive individualized support while maintaining ownership of their decisions and growth. Drawing on my experience in education, research, and organizational leadership, I strive to connect students with strategies and resources that are practical, inclusive, and responsive to their circumstances. Ultimately, I want every student I coach to feel more confident navigating challenges and more prepared to define success on their own terms.
Coaching Strengths
Goal setting, academic planning, organization, reflective questioning, research support, student engagement, accountability, culturally responsive communication, and connecting students with appropriate resources.
Professional Biography
Biography: I am a doctoral student in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education. I bring more than ten years of experience across education, research, teaching, program development, and organizational management. My professional journey has included mentoring university students, supporting rural and underserved schools, analyzing educational programs, and collaborating with universities, nonprofit organizations, and public institutions. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to educational access, student engagement, and creating learning environments in which every student has an opportunity to succeed.
Pronouns: He/Him
DU Graduate Program: PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Favorite Quote: “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” - James Baldwin
What I Enjoy Doing Outside of Work and School: Outside of my academic and professional responsibilities, I enjoy exploring new places, discovering different cultures and perspectives, and spending meaningful time with friends and family. I am also an enthusiastic lifelong learner and enjoy finding books, conversations, and experiences that challenge me to see familiar topics in new ways.
Fun Fact: I’m great at remembering completely random facts, but I still walk into rooms and forget why I went there.
