Renea Nichols

Renea Nichols is an Associate Teaching Professor at Penn State's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communication since 2004. Previously, she taught at Arizona State University’s Cronkite School and held PR roles at U-Haul, Arizona Special Olympics, and the City of Phoenix. She advises on public relations strategy, diversity initiatives, and Alzheimer’s awareness. Her expertise spans cause communications, PR methods, and multi-racial populations.

• Bachelor’s: Central Michigan University
• Master’s: Arizona State University
• ABD: Arizona State University

Her research focuses on interracial dating dynamics, biracial identity development, and community engagement. She authored four influential books on these topics, appearing in national media discussions. Recent work emphasizes social media’s role in PR education and Alzheimer’s advocacy.

Renea’s students have won national PRSA/IABC awards for campaigns developed in her courses. She co-founded FITOLOGY, a fitness studio blending research and wellness, and sits on advisory boards for Centre County Youth Services and Interfaith Human Services.