Colleagues say | Aboutme

Bonnie Harrison

Musical Theatre Head (2017 - 2022) and teacher at

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Jacksonville, FL, USA.

"In reading many of the professional recommendations provided by colleagues that sing the praises of Nikki as an artist and a teacher, I feel compelled to take another approach and speak to her character. In a society that sometimes values the more superficial qualities of bravado and power I feel that a person who has compassion and integrity is the person I want to surround myself with. I have gotten to know Nikki over the past few years and am impressed by her compassionate and caring nature. I saw her talking on the phone each morning comforting an ailing parent, then flying across the globe to be with that parent because she was needed. Her love and devotion clearly put into action without a thought to the time and money that would be needed to make the journey(s) happen. I have seen her stand up for a colleague in need. Her loyalty and steadfastness were again put into action, this time through advocacy. If Nikki believes in you, she will fight for you even if silence would be the safer choice. That to me shows integrity. A creative talented person like Nikki has options to where her next career adventure might take her. I for one am grateful to have had her as a colleague and know that she will be a valuable asset to anyone fortunate enough to have her on their team."

October 12, 2023.

William Lee Spell

Assistant Principal (2017 - 2020)

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Jacksonville, FL, USA.

"Ms. Nikhat Powell is a very energetic and passionate educator. In my time working with her in the Cinematic Arts department at the Douglas Anderson, I found that I was learning more from her than she learned from me. Her work ethic is exceptional which carries over to her expectations she sets for her students. Ms. Powell drives her students to reach their full potential every day which is often far beyond the expectations the students have of themselves. Her passion for teaching the students about the world of cinema is almost tangible while observing her instruction. She pays close attention to the details that are often ignored but result in magnificent works of art. Ms. Powell also takes on the biggest challenges asked of her with enthusiasm. When asked to create, and teach, a completely new animation course so the Cinematic Arts program could grow, she not only agreed right away but learned the software and created the curriculum. She took initiative to secure funding for a new computer lab that could meet the needs of the animated studio. It was a pleasure working with Ms. Powell and I hope our paths cross again soon."

January 15, 2021.

Alex Willemin

Assistant Professor of Film

College of Fine Arts, Dept of Media Arts

Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL, USA.

"Nikki has been an amazing asset to our program both from the administrative and student point of view. I do not doubt that she can and will be a benefit to any educational program.

Over the past year, Nikki taught an Introduction to Film class and a History of Film class. The Intro to Film class was a cohesive overview of screenwriting, pre-production, production, and post-production theory. It is a difficult class to teach because of the sheer scope of the curriculum but Nikki also had to teach the information to non-film majors, film minors and film majors in which she excelled.

The History of Film class was a survey class that covered the birth of Film in the late 1800's through todays independent and conglomerate film markets. The impressive way she structured the class was made even more so when we had to go fully virtual due to the pandemic. She utilized Blackboard and online teaching to educate her students, never missing a beat.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like any further information about this talented teacher and colleague."

May 18, 2020.

Corey Michael Thayer, Ph.D., M.L.S.

Art Director / Chair

Department of Cinematic Arts

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Jacksonville, FL, USA.

" I am very pleased to have the opportunity to reflect upon Nikhat Powell as an instructor of the Cinematic Arts at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Douglas Anderson is a highly regarded public arts high school in Jacksonville, FL, where students audition to attend for four years. As an instructor of the Cinematic Arts, Nikhat is responsible for over 100 students as they pursue the study of film and animation through both a theoretical and practical curriculum.

Nikhat has been instrumental in developing a curriculum that most certainly has improved student success in film art. As an instructor, Nikhat has been patient, knowledgable, and creative in the mentorship of young artists. Students are not only capable of creating both narrative and documentary stories, but they have become experts in their ability to execute all aspects of the filmmaking process. It is her attention to detail, her formulaic methodologies, and her concern for student progress that makes her such an excellent teacher.

In addition, Nikhat has a wealth of worldly experiences, and personal achievements, that enhance classroom learning. Her films have won numerous awards, and accolades which lend authenticity to her voice when passing on knowledge to young minds. There is evidence of success, which trickles down to each student's understanding of the idea that "attention to detail" is so important, and that creating a film is more than just picking up a camera. I have noticed, without a doubt, that my students are better filmmakers due to her tutelage. However, they are not only better artists but also better human beings with a strong sense of pride, respect, and personal responsibility.

Nikhat has a profound ability to be versatile and flexible. Her classrooms are often taught via multiple interfaces such as Microsoft Teams, One Note, and classroom webpages. This digital presence has allowed for Nikhat to bring technology to the classroom which is highly attractive to today’s students who often thrive in digital spaces. I have been in awe of Nikhat’s ability to master online teaching in a manner that is not only highly polished but also exciting and fresh. She has a wonderful zest for teaching in the virtual domain which is evident in student performance and success.

Nikhat's strengths lie in her maternal instincts. She intuitively knows what it means to survive in the industry, and cares enough about her students to extend and share that knowledge. Nikhat knows, that if her students do not understand the process 100% then she has failed them, that the system will not be kind to them, and she will never allow that to occur. There is a certain sense of perfection that Nikhat exhibits, that allows me to know that she is a capable professional who can be wholly trusted.

I have zero doubts about Nikhat Powell's abilities as a film instructor, and I am absolutely positive that anyone who encounters Nikhat in the classroom will wholeheartedly agree. As the Department Chair of the Cinematic Arts, I am capable of stating that I trust Nikhat Powell's abilities, admire her tenacity, and cherish her wherewithal to never give up and to always put the student first."

March 8, 2019.

Scott Reneau

Department of Cinematic Arts

Communications & Public Relations

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Jacksonville, FL, USA.

"I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Powell for the past two years on the faculty of the Cinematic Arts Department at Douglas Anderson High School of the Arts in northeast Florida. I have never worked with a more conscientious, caring instructor than Nikki. She is knowledgeable in all areas of film production, thoroughly prepared, and always dedicated to her students and their success.

What has been particularly impressive is how she has responded to being asked to teach additional animation classes, which were initially outside her area of expertise. Nikki took the initiative to teach herself the animation software, utilizing how-to books and instructional videos, and prepared clear step-by-step lessons to introduce her students to the art form.

Nikki is a wonderful communicator, who takes extra time with students, before and after school, to help them learn the material."

March 25, 2019.

E. Alyn Warren III, MFA

Associate Professor, Lead Faculty, Digital Cinema MFA Program,

National University, School of Professional Studies

Department of Journalism, Film and Entertainment Arts, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

"It is my pleasure to recommend Ms Nikhat Powell, whom I have known since interviewing her in April 2014 as an applicant for the Digital Cinema Production MFA program at National University for which I am Lead Faculty. What impressed me the most about Ms. Powell was her extensive experience teaching in India where she adapted digital video technologies to educate undergraduate students in narrative production and other aspects of cinema. Since being accepted to the program she has consistently proven herself by her exemplary performance in every one of her classes.

Based on her experience, and on her exemplary performance in the digital Cinema program, I have every confidence that Ms. Powell is able to teach a wide range of media production and cinema arts subjects. In her research on cinematic concepts and techniques, she has been thorough and well organized. She has excelled in all of her course work and worked with all of our MF faculty, demonstrating mastery in screenwriting, editing, sound design, and cinematography. I have found her to be an excellent communicator, always responsive and proactive.

She has demonstrated an appreciation and aptitude for the creative development of film projects. As a collaborator, Ms. Powell is supportive and insightful when offering her perspective in critical discussion of work. She is self-reflective and open creatively. She responds well to critical feedback, adapts to changing circumstances and is eager to apply new insights to her work.

With a Masters in Mass Communication, a Distinction in her MFA Digital Cinema and her track record teaching in India, I consider Ms. Powell an exemplary faculty candidate, among the top ten percent of graduate fellows in the last ten years of the program. I offer you my unqualified personal and professional recommendation of Ms. Powell for a teaching position. I am confident that she would be a valuable asset both to a cinema department, and to the students."

October 6, 2016.

Sara Montgomery Stotlar

Digital Cinema MFA Program

National University, School of Professional Studies

Department of Journalism, Film and Entertainment Arts, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

"I first met Nikki Powell in October of 2014 when she attended my Digital Video Editing class during her coursework for her MFA with National University and have continued to work with her since that time in various courses and film projects.

As her instructor, I noticed very quickly that Nikki was not only experienced as a video editor but also proved herself to be a mentor-student to her peers. Nikki has demonstrated tremendous dedication and commitment through the program, and brought great energy to the class/work.

Nikki is polite, articulate, and has always been a pleasure to have in my classroom. She is very goal-oriented, self-directed, and positive. She asks probing, thoughtful questions which has lent to more interesting and layered class discussions. She is respectful of others and their views, humble and takes editorial direction well. She does not shy away from presenting constructive feedback and asking difficult questions in order to achieve a greater understanding of the subject material for all. She speaks cinema from her heart, with instinct and passion; has a combination of positive attitude patience, perfection and belief that she can improve.

While working as her thesis post-production advisor, she continued to prove her abilities as a visual storyteller – establishing layered and intriguing characters, interesting and character/plot-developing obstacles, and dramatic action within both narrative and documentary formats.

Although my relationship with her is that of instructor-student, I am confident that she is also a capable instructor based on the peer critiques she completed orally and in writing, as well as her interaction with her peers. If you would like to contact me further about Nikhat, please feel free to do so."

September 20, 2016.

Morgan Cutturini

English Instructor/ Film Instructor

Itawamba Community College, Fulton, MS, USA.

"I have been working towards developing a fledgling film program at ICC, where I teach, and Nikki has been a tremendous help to me. In that capacity I have observed Nikki's teaching methods and and interactions with college students; as a result I'm confident that Nikki would be a great asset to any institution of higher learning.

Because of Nikki's extensive experience in Film, I asked her to be a guest speaker in my Intro to Film class last Fall. I knew she would have a lot of detailed instruction for my students. She didn't disappoint. She spoke and the students were mesmerized. They were so interested in her teaching that they immediately asked when we could schedule a return visit.

Therefore, I was thrilled when Nikki asked several students to help with a short film she was creating for her graduate class. Needless to say my students jumped at the chance. For the film, Nikki went through the entire process of creating a film; she auditioned the actors, interviewed the crew and gave strict instructions for the shoot and maintained a professional atmosphere on the set. The students absolutely loved it. One student said he learned more in the five hours on set with Nikki than he learned in the previous two years of studying film.

Nikki is patient and encouraging when explaining techniques and she has a comfortable rapport with students that allows them to feel confident in asking questions. If my college had a fulltime position for a Film Instructor, we would hire her immediately. Any college will be fortunate to include her on the faculty. "

May 31, 2015

Ralph Frammolino

Reporter, Colleague

Finalist, Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting. USA.

"This is an unqualified recommendation for Nikhat. I was impressed with her professionalism, work ethic and command of the broadcast medium. She worked with me to help produce three in-depth student investigative reporting projects.

Nikhat is a consummate professional with incredible knowledge of her craft, and the ability to communicate that knowledge to anyone willing to learn. I would heartily recommend her services."

August 29, 2009

Ruchi Jaggi

Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism

Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communications, Pune, India .

"Nikhat is very positive and motivated. She has shown immense initiative and displayed significant leadership abilities during our association at SIMC. Nikhat has the right combination of academic and administrative abilities. She has demonstrated impressive competency levels in all the projects and assignments she has undertaken so far.

She is completely thorough with her subject matter and has displayed effective teaching abilities in her stint here. Her teaching feedback is outstanding. Besides being a skilled teacher, Nikhat brought innovative pedagogical ideas to the table. I am sure that she will be an asset to any organization she works with. Infact, she has the organizational and leadership capabilities to perform key and senior management roles. "

November 27, 2012

Brian O'Donoghue,

Fulbright Scholar and Associate Professor

University of Alaska, Fairbanks, USA.

“Powell is a spirited, talented video producer known for giving clear direction to students in the classroom, the editing bay as well as on field assignments. From what I’ve observed, she also played a lead role developing the new capstone multimedia documentary component for Journalism MA candidates, which I am presently working alongside her supervising. I heartedly recommend Powell for any teaching position requiring professional skills in videography, digital editing and general production work.

Being a working journalist, with more than 30 years experience, mainly in newspapers and TV, deepens my appreciation for Professor Powell’s commitment holding students to deadlines!"

Jan 10, 2013

Rohit Gupta, Award Winning filmmaker

New York, USA

"Nikhat Powell is a passionate, compassionate teacher. Her candor and seriousness about imparting knowledge and experience in an attempt to create a successful future for each of her students reflects in the way she plans and organizes courses. Her ability to think ahead, multitask and look at the big picture through fine details struck me particularly.

I think every film school should have one of her."

April 4, 2014

Sushil Bhatnagar

CEO, India Vision International, Mumbai, India

(Production planning for international projects)

“Right from my initial interaction with her a couple of months ago when she first invited me to become a visiting faculty and hold regular Film Production Management workshops for the PG students of the SIMC, I have been extremely impressed by her dedication and passion for doing her best for the benefit of her students and the SIMC.

I was initially apprehensive to drive down 200 kms for holding workshops at SIMC, from Mumbai, but during my first visit itself to the SIMC campus I was very pleasantly touched by her care and efficiency in ensuring that everything was well organized for my stay as well as my classes. She more than lived up to every good word I had heard about her from another friend who is also a visiting faculty at the SIMC.

I admire the way she relates to her students and have personally been witness to the dignified respect and esteem they have for her as a Professor and administrator. Whilst she is loving, caring and affectionate towards the students she is steadfastly efficient in ensuring that discipline is maintained. I find her to be very articulate and impressively punctual in her responses and very honest and forthright in all she does.

It is because of her that I now look forward to my visits to the SIMC.

She will be a great asset to any organization she joins as she moves on."

March 6, 2014

Prasanna Hullikavi

Deputy Director, Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communications, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India

"I had the opportunity to work with Nikhat when she worked as Program Delivery Head, Audio-Visual Communications, MMC at SIMC. During our interactions I found Nikhat to be a very hard working person with an eye for detail. She is a perfectionist who drives her students to give their best. I also found her to be highly independent and self reliant and capable of taking responsibility and ensuring completion of tasks entrusted to her. She is very articulate and an excellent and succinct communicator."

March 29, 2014

Kanchan Kaur

Vice Dean, Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media Bangalore, India

"I was exposed to Nikhat's creativity and aptitude for teaching when we trained together for the BBC's I-Learn programme. The presentation she made with a newly introduced colleague was amazing in its simplicity and ease of understanding.

At the IIJNM, she handles the department with consummate ease. Time management is one of her fortes. She juggles schedules easily, never once losing track of a single item in her list.

Her ability to think clearly and articulate her thoughts , her persistence backed by self-motivation and self-confidence, have all been reflected in the work she has done, both as an editor of films and as a teacher.

She is an excellent team player, cheerfully coordinating duties, taking on responsibilities and doing her fair share.

I'm sure she will do exceedingly well in whatever she chooses to, for she does not like to settle for anything less."

April 30, 2011

Dipti Kotian

Colleague, Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bangalore, India

“Nikhat has a genuine passion for the craft of film making and has spent long years honing her skills as a film maker and a film and video editor. As a colleague at the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media I was impressed with her ability to transfer her passion for the medium to students of broadcast journalism. She is without a doubt an excellent trainer and communicator who works hard to develop new and innovative ways to teach essential skills to students who begin their graduate studies completely unfamiliar with camera work, editing and post production, but are perfectly comfortable with the process by the end of the course.

As an editor and a media trainer, I believe she has much to contribute to any organization she chooses to join.”

June 2, 2011

Rajesh Murthy

Proprietor, Om Shree Digi Audio Media, Bangalore, India

“ I have worked with Nikhat over a period of 18 years now, and think she is a very committed and fine editor and teacher. She has worked in our studios on several projects, and we are always happy to accommodate her. She is one of the few teachers in Bangalore who has stood the test of time with her organisation 'Magic in Motion', where she trains aspiring students for the professional industry. I have had the good fortune of absorbing some of her students in my studio, and am always amazed at the level of good attitude and great organisational skills she manages to instill in her students. Many of her students have risen to excellent positions in the industry, after her short course. It is indeed commendable.

I would not hesitate to recommend Nikhat to any organisation."

April 7, 2012

Maya Rao

Independent filmmaker and Director,

Can & Able Productions, Mumbai, India

"I have known Nikhat Powell for a few years now and have worked closely with her when she was conducting courses in media production in Bangalore as well as later as the Head of Academic Delivery in the Audio Visual Department at the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communications (PG) in Pune, India. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with her and i was delighted at her sincerity & dedication towards her profession and her lucid style of communicating and teaching the intricacies of lm making.

I wish her all the very best in her future ventures and look forward to continued engagement."

March 2, 2014

Eric Rousseau,

Director, Alliance Francaise de Bangalore, India.

"Nikhat is a responsible team leader and diligent worker. We have thought of projects in the future with her, and would highly recommend her to other organizations too."

June 9, 2004

Dina Hossain

Co-Producer, New York Times TV, NY, USA

"Nikhat worked with New York Times Television as a transcriber on our documentary program "Thomas L. Friedman Presents: the Other Side of Outsourcing". We were impressed with Nikhat's work. She was extremely professional and managed her team well. Work was done very efficiently and transcripts turned around in an exceptionally short time. The work Nikhat and her team did for us was of great value and we would definitely consider using her services again."

May 18, 2004

Kavita Ratna,

Director Communications, CWC, Bangalore, India

“Nikhat edited two of our documentary films on Children's Right to Participation. She was in charge of the post production process from start to finish. We found her to be highly accomplished with various editing systems and appreciated her attention to details.

Both the films she edited have received acclaim nationally and also internationally. We very highly recommend Nikhat, not only for her editing skills, but also for the commitment she gives to her projects. We would definitely consider using her for our future projects too."

May 18, 2004