Dr. Bernadette Chapple, a Montgomery native, graduated from St. Jude Educational Institute as salutatorian in 1987 and received an academic scholarship to attend Fisk University. As a 1991 cumlaude graduate of Fisk, she received her bachelor's degree in chemistry.

Chapple earned a master's degree in environmental health in 1993 from East Tennessee State University, and in 1994, was awarded the presidential Graduate Opportunity Program Fellowship to pursue the Ph.D., degree in measurement and evaluation at Auburn University. Chapple was the first African-American and youngest person to receive a doctoral degree in the field at Auburn.

Currently, Chapple serves on Auburn University's College of Education National Advisory Council, Mid-South Educational Research Association's board of directors and Bethany Christian Academy's school board.

Upon receiving her doctoral degree, Chapple accepted a position with the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education as coordinator of institutional research and analysis. One year later, Chapple was appointed as research director of Alabama State University's Center for Leadership and Public Policy. 

Chapple's responsibilities at the Center include pursuing and attracting revenue generating consulting contracts, directing a student internship program and conducting research on public policy issues.