I am an associate professor of journalism practice but came to academia from the "real world." I spent 25 years as an award-winning reporter, editor and magazine journalist. Also, I worked in public relations for professional sports (Philadelphia 76ers) and government communications (Congressional press secretary and media consultant).

I joined the Ohio State School of Communication in 2010, and my classes include Sports Media, Magazine Writing, Media Law and Ethics and Student Tech for Academic Success. My focus in teaching and research is utilizing mobile technology in journalism and education, focusing on how student-athletes can use mobile technology to engage academically.

I am the director of the Sports and Society Initiative at Ohio State, and work on campus and around the country teaching athletes how to use iPads for academic engagement and connectivity. I am also part of the Ohio State One Health Task Force and have taught distance learning techniques in Ethiopia.

In 2019 published my first academic book, “Always Get the Name of the Dog: A guide to media interviewing.” I am also the author of "Writing Fabulous FeaturesLinks to an external site.," published with Pressbooks through Ohio State's Affordable Learning Exchange, and "100 Years in HarnessLinks to an external site.," a pictorial history of harness racing. In 2023, Rowman & Littlefield will publish "Teaching Media Ethics," a book I edited with Dr. Kathleen Culver, and also contributed chapters on student journalism and sports writing ethics. 

I am also still an active journalist, writing for numerous magazines and covering sports—including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ohio State basketball and horse racing—for the Associated Press and Columbus Dispatch, and sports media and business for Forbes.com.

In 2024 I was honored as the Journalism and Communication Teacher of the Year by the Scripps-Howard Fund. In 2022 I received the Ohio State Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching and was inducted into the Ohio State Academy of Teaching. That year I was also named the Linda S. Puntney Inspirational Teacher by the Journalism Education Association

In 2023, I was named the Faculty Champion by University Career Services for work through Sports and Society to ensure sports-focused Ohio State students are career-ready. In 2015 I was inducted as an Apple Distinguished Educator.

My husband, Brian, is a third-grade teacher for children with special needs in Columbus City Schools. Our son, Danny, graduated Ohio State in 2024 with a degree in industrial design, and is the director of graphic design and social media for the University of Maryland football team.

Nicole's Classes

• Comm 2221: Media Writing and Editing
• Comm 3403: Sports Media
• Comm 3404: Media Law & Ethics
• Comm 3414: Sports Media Relations
• Comm 4202: Feature Writing
• Exp 1500: Academic Tech for Student Success