Nancy Mitchell is a distinguished emerita professor of advertising and public relations at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she has been a faculty member since 1990. Over her extensive academic career, she has taught a wide range of courses, including advertising and public relations principles, design, copywriting, research and strategy, campaigns, introduction to mass media, and media ethics.

Mitchell has held numerous leadership roles within the university. She served as director of general education (ACE) and undergraduate education programs from 2008 to 2017. Prior to these roles, she was chair of the advertising department for 11 years and later chaired the graduate committee in the college.

Before transitioning to academia, Mitchell accumulated 15 years of professional experience in advertising and media. Her diverse background includes roles as a copywriter, designer, editor, fundraiser, and magazine editor across various organizations, including a large department store, a publishing company, an advertising agency, a newspaper, and a Public Broadcasting System affiliate. She also taught at West Texas A&M University before joining the University of Nebraska.

Mitchell is a co-author of the leading textbook "Advertising & IMC: Principles and Practice," now in its 11th edition, published by Pearson in 2019. Her research and outreach activities focus on creating effective messages for underrepresented groups, ethical issues in advertising, and the assessment of student learning.

Her involvement on campus has been extensive, including participation in the Chancellor's Speakers Bureau, chairing the Chancellor's Commission on the Status of Women, and chairing the Academic Planning Committee. She has also played a key role in revising the university's general education requirements and has been active in promoting civic engagement among students.

Nationally, Mitchell has served as the advertising division head for the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications and has been the treasurer and past chair of the publications committee for the American Academy of Advertising. She also serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Advertising Education and Journalism and Mass Communication Educator.

Mitchell holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, a master’s degree in speech communication from West Texas A&M University, and a Ph.D. in communication studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Throughout her career, Mitchell has been recognized for her contributions to education and the field of advertising. Her dedication to teaching, research, and service has left a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.