Fields of Interest:

American Politics, Public Policy

Education: PhD, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2004)

Jacqueline “Nikki” (Giles) Mitchell was born and raised in Florida. She acquired a deep love of learning from her parents, especially from her mother Shirley, who was a public school teacher. Mitchell virtually grew up in her mother’s classroom, where she continued to volunteer until her mother retired in 2008.

While a student at Florida Southern College, a private Methodist school, Mitchell decided on a career in academia, as it would allow her to unite her own love of learning with the desire to educate as well as contribute to the discipline of political science. Nikki eventually matriculated at the University of Tennessee based largely on the advice and experience of a favorite FSC professor – Barbara Giles, who had completed her PhD at UT.

During and after completion of her doctorate, Nikki taught various courses at UT, Tusculum College, and Pelissippi State. In 2005, she began a 3-year tenure at Manatee Community College in Bradenton, Florida, where she was head of political science on the Bradenton campus.

In 2008, Mitchell returned to the University of Tennessee and began a full time appointment as a lecturer. Courses taught include Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe, Pop Culture and American Politics, Media and Politics, Politics of the Environment, The Presidency and Public Policy, International Relations, and many others. Her other interests include college level pedagogy, democratic theory, and international human rights.

Mitchell continues to enjoy teaching and working with students at UT. She is married to Jason Mitchell, who she also acquired from UT.

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