Lisa Mills

Lisa Mills is a Professor of Film and Documentary at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and currently serves as Associate Director of the Film and Mass Media Programs. She holds a PhD in Political Communication from the University of Florida (2005), an MA in Mass Communication from UCF (1999), and a BA in English from Jacksonville University (1983). Prior to academia, she spent 25 years as a broadcast journalist across southeastern television stations.

• Education:
  • PhD in Political Communication, University of Florida (2005)
  • MA in Mass Communication, UCF (1999)
  • BA in English, Jacksonville University (1983)

Her research focuses on documentary production, media effects, political communication, and creative self-efficacy. She has directed/co-directed four feature-length documentaries and 14 short films, many of which won national awards and screened globally. Recent works include Connections (2022, Lions Clubs International) and Jewel of Parramore (2022, WellsBuilt Museum), both produced with students and honored by the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences.

Awards:

• 2023 Excellence in Faculty Advising Nominee
• 2021 UCF Luminary Award
• 2012 Teaching Incentive Program Award

She advises student filmmakers, coordinates "Education Day" for the Sanford Love Your Shorts Film Festival, and serves on the Global Peace Film Festival board. Her creative work emphasizes social justice and community engagement.