Curriculum Vitae

Education

Master of Communication Leadership
Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa
2018

Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
2000

Academic Appointments

Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa

Assistant Teaching Professor of Broadcast Media & Video Production
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2024 – Present

Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, Iowa

Adjunct Professor
Design, Media & the Arts
2021 – 2025

Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa

Adjunct Professor
First-Year Seminars
2020 – 2023

Adjunct Professor
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs
2020

Adjunct Professor
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
2014 – 2017

Courses Taught

Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa

JLMC 3060: Broadcast Media Production
Undergraduate, ~18 students per section
2026 – Present

HON 3210: The Florida Project
Undergraduate, ~12 students per section
2026 – Present

JLMC 3910: After Effects for Mass Communication,*
Undergraduate, ~18 students per section
2025 – Present

SMC 3520: Sports Broadcast Production,*
Undergraduate, ~18 students per section
2025 – Present

JLMC 3910: Greenlee Global: Touchdown in Dublin Study Abroad,*
Undergraduate, 20 students
2025

JLMC 3030: Writing for Electronic Media
Undergraduate, ~18 students per section
2024 – Present

JLMC 3070: Fundamentals of Digital Video Production
Undergraduate, ~18 students per section
2024 – Present

JLMC 3080: Electronic Media Production
Undergraduate, ~18 students per section
2024 – Present

Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, Iowa

ART 196: Commercial Video Production,*
Undergraduate, ~14 students per section
2025

MMS 480: Video Production I
Undergraduate, ~20 students per section
2021 – 2024

Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa

FYS 050: The Florida Project,*
Undergraduate, ~20 students per section
2020 – 2023

INTD 025: Bulldog Foundations, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs
Undergraduate, ~20 students per section
2020

JMC 058: Foundations of Visual Communication
Undergraduate, ~20 students per section
2017

JMC 031: Multimedia Lab
Undergraduate, ~20 students per section
2014 – 2017

* Course developed by the instructor

Teaching Effectiveness

Student evaluations: median instructor rating 4.75/5.0 across 21 sections (department median 4.4)
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, Iowa State University
2024 – 2026

Peer teaching observation: David Cantor, Ph.D., Professor
Ivy College of Business, Iowa State University
2026

Peer teaching observation: Krista Klocke, Ph.D., Instructor Development Coordinator
Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, Iowa State University
2024

Student Advising & Mentoring

Faculty Mentor, 53 undergraduate advisees
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2025 – Present

Supervisor, JLMC 4900: Independent Study in Media and Communication
One student, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2025

Supervisor, Honors Contact
One student, Iowa State University Honors Program
2025

Faculty Advisor & Coordinator, Greenlee School Television
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2024 – Present

Placed nine students on professional broadcast crews, including ESPN productions
2024 – Present

Student outcomes: 16 Upper Midwest Emmy nominations and one national BEA Festival of Media Arts award earned by students under supervision
2024 – Present

Professional Development

Teaching Partners Program
Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, Iowa State University
2025 – 2026

Faculty Externship
LTN Global Communications, Liberty, Missouri
2024

Grants Received

TLAS Grant: Video Production Equipment
Iowa State University, $38,600
2025

TLAS Grant: Field Audio Equipment
Iowa State University, $11,500
2025

TLAS Grants, Iowa State University
ten additional awards totaling $18,500
2024 – 2026

SVPP Term Faculty Professional Development Award
Iowa State University, $1,000 annually
2024 – 2025

TLAS Grant: ENG/EFP Production Equipment
Iowa State University, $42,000
2024

Professional Experience

Independent Freelance/Contract Production

Producer/Director/Replay Operator
2003 – Present

Produce and direct an average of 40 national, regional, and local live-event broadcasts annually, specializing in live sports programming
Schedule and coordinate on-air talent, technical crews, and remote operations before and during events
Research and develop storylines and key editorial elements to inform and engage broadcast audiences

Select clients: ABC News, ABC Sports, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports, Comcast Sports Network, ESPN, FOX Sports/FOX Sports Net, Learfield Sports, NBC Sports

Notable Projects
ESPN DII Game of the Week, Producer/Director
Oversaw and executed weekly feature-game broadcasts from Division II campuses across the country for a national ESPN audience

CBS Under Armour All-America Volleyball Match, Producer
Conceived and coordinated a primetime broadcast of the All-America high school volleyball competition for a national CBS Sports audience

Conference USA Basketball Tournaments, Producer
Produced and coordinated simultaneous studio productions for weeklong, multi-site men’s and women’s basketball tournaments airing nationally on ASN

Des Moines Symphony Yankee Doodle Pops, Director
Directed annual live coverage of the nation’s third-largest Independence Day celebration by attendance

2008 & 2012 ABC Presidential Debates, Videotape Operator
Served as lead videotape operator for multiple nationally televised presidential primary debates

Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa

Senior Media Producer
2016 – 2023

Led the university’s management, production, and distribution of multimedia projects for academic, administrative, promotional, and outreach programs
Partnered with faculty, staff, and campus units to provide effective, sustainable media production services for the university community
Administered university media delivery systems, including live streaming, podcasting, and flipped-classroom platforms

Multimedia Producer/Analyst
2011 – 2016

Coordinated and managed multimedia projects for academic and administrative units across campus
Identified emerging trends in educational media technology and supported their integration into teaching and learning environments

Multimedia Producer
2007 – 2011

Instructed faculty, staff, and students in skills that enhanced their use of multimedia and presentation technology
Collaborated with faculty, staff, and administration on creative approaches to learning goals using digital media

Notable Projects
Panopto Content Management System, Chair/Administrator
Oversaw implementation of a campus-wide video content management and lecture capture platform serving all faculty, staff, and students, in person and at a distance

Drake Commencement Ceremonies, Producer/Director
Conceived and coordinated coverage of annual commencement ceremonies, in-person and virtual, for in-house and live-stream viewing

Digital Storytelling, Instructor
Developed and presented best practices for creating multimedia storytelling content for university classes, departments, and programs

Multimedia Experience Workshops, Coordinator/Facilitator
Developed and delivered monthly training workshops for faculty and staff on multimedia applications in academic environments

Mediacom Communications
Des Moines, Iowa

Producer/Editor
2004 – 2007

Conceived and produced original programming for a regional sports and entertainment network
Coordinated creative and technical aspects of local, regional, and national live-event programming

Notable Projects
Learfield Sports Productions, Producer/Director
Served as line producer and director for pre-game and post-game broadcasts of Iowa and Iowa State sporting events, including the 2005 Capital One Bowl, 2006 Outback Bowl, and 2005–2006 CyHawk Series

Iowa State University Sesquicentennial, Producer/Editor
Partnered with Iowa State academic, alumni, and student life departments to produce a promotional video for the campus sesquicentennial celebration

Earlier Broadcast Experience

Director of Creative Services
KFPX Television, Urbandale, Iowa
Led the station’s commercial, marketing, and promotional campaigns; managed operations, budgets, and staff
2003 – 2004

Production Editor
KFPX Television, Urbandale, Iowa
Edited commercial, corporate, and promotional projects for station clients
2001 – 2003

Associate Producer
KCCI Television, Des Moines, Iowa
Produced the daily morning newscast for a nationally ranked CBS affiliate
2000 – 2001

Videotape Editor
KCCI Television, Des Moines, Iowa
Edited video and multimedia elements for evening newscasts, including live election coverage
2000

Invited Presentations

Iowa High School Press Association 2026 Conference
Maintaining Continuity in Video Productions
Accepted for October 2026

2026 Broadcast Education Association National Convention
Passport to Publication: Study Abroad Programs That Produce Media Professionals
Delivered April 19, 2026

2026 Broadcast Education Association National Convention
Ideal Sizes and Roles for Student Group Field Productions
Delivered April 18, 2026

Iowa High School Press Association 2025 Conference
Sound Design for Electronic Media
Delivered October 23, 2025

2025 Broadcast Education Association National Convention
Those Who Can’t… Teach and Other Lies Contributing to Your Imposter Syndrome
Delivered April 7, 2025

2025 Broadcast Education Association National Convention
Check Out Time! Current Best Practices in Student Equipment
Delivered April 5, 2025

Iowa High School Press Association 2024 Conference
Effective Sequencing for Visual Storytelling
Delivered October 24, 2024

Iowa High School Press Association 2024 Conference
Slam Dunk Success: Building Your Skills in Sports Media
Delivered October 24, 2024

American Society for Microbiology Teaching & Learning Community
Artificial Intelligence: Pedagogy and Practice
Delivered May 31, 2023

2022 Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities IT Conference
Lessons Learned for the Post-Pandemic Pedagogical Puzzle
Delivered May 25–26, 2022

Panopto North American User Conference
Helping Your Faculty and Student Ecosystem
Delivered October 2, 2018

2018 Broadcast Education Association National Convention
The Evolution of Student Media Groups
Delivered April 9, 2018

2018 Broadcast Education Association National Convention
Special-Event Television Production
Delivered April 8, 2018

2017 Broadcast Education Association National Convention
How Emerging Technology Is Taking Sports Storytelling to New Heights
Delivered April 24, 2017

2017 Broadcast Education Association National Convention
Launching the Freelance Career: A Total Mind Shift
Delivered April 22, 2017

2013 Iowa Technology & Education Conference
Flipped Models for Lecture Capture
Delivered October 14, 2013

2012 Iowa Technology & Education Conference
Building a Lecture Capture Campus
Delivered October 15, 2012

University Presentations

Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa

2026 Iowa High School Press Association Fall Kickoff
Storytelling with Mobile Video
Accepted for September 2026

2026 DSTR Storytelling Camp
Mobile Video Storytelling
Delivered June 16, 2026

2026 Sports Media & Communication Training Camp
Field Reporting and Editing
Delivered June 15, 2026

2025 Iowa High School Press Association Fall Kickoff
Best Practices for Mobile Video Production
Delivered September 4, 2025

2025 Sports Media & Communication Training Camp
Electronic Media Editing
Delivered June 30, 2025

2025 Sports Media & Communication Training Camp
Single Camera Production
Delivered June 30, 2025

Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa

2018 Learning Symposium
Blackboard Crucial Conversations: Best Practices From, and For, the Community
Delivered August 20, 2018

EdTech Workshop
Video in Courses
Delivered March 26, 2018

Community Research Summer Scholars Program
Best Practices for Audio Creation, Editing, and Delivery
Delivered July 26–27, 2017

2015 Learning Symposium
Gateway to Digital Production: Integrating Multimedia Elements into Your Classroom
Delivered August 21, 2015

Creative Works & Trade Publications

Film & Video

McNab, J. (Director). (2021). Rebuilding the Hills Line [Film]. Kalmbach Media.

Video Series

McNab, J., Johnson, K., & Lake, B. (2023). The Hills Line with James McNab, Season 2 [Video series]. Trains.com Video: Kalmbach Media.

McNab, J., Johnson, K., & Lake, B. (2020). The Hills Line with James McNab [Video series]. Model Railroader Video Plus: Kalmbach Media.

Contributions to Edited Volumes

McNab, J. (2022). Building an offline customer. In E. White (Ed.), Building what’s in a photo (pp. 86–97). Milwaukee: Kalmbach Media.

McNab, J. (2020). Use layered foliage. In Model railroader’s best of scenery (pp. 30–32). Milwaukee: Kalmbach Media.

McNab, J. (2019). Pack large industries into limited spaces. In J. Wilson (Ed.), Build big & small industries for your model railroad (pp. 98–101). Milwaukee: Kalmbach Media.

McNab, J. (2016). Patching freight cars with paint pens. In R. Rehberg (Ed.), 25 freight car projects (pp. 8–10). Milwaukee: Kalmbach Books.

McNab, J. (2013). The endless horizon: Designing deep scenes for narrow benchwork. In M. Cougill (Ed.), The Missing Conversation, 06 (pp. 35–50). Richmond: OST Publications.

Magazine Articles

McNab, J. (2025, August). Prototype to model: Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc. – Hills, Iowa, 2012. Model Railroader, 92(8), 52–53.

McNab, J. (2024, October). Seizing second chances. Great Model Railroads 2025, 42–51.

McNab, J. (2024, January). Changing time on the Hills Line. Model Railroad Planning 2024, 26–33.

McNab, J. (2022, June). Modeling modern clearance markers. Model Railroader, 89(6), 30–31.

McNab, J., & Grizel, F. (2022, January). Demolition to discovery. Model Railroad Planning 2022, 60–65.

McNab, J. (2020, August). Five tips for trouble-free turnouts. Model Railroader, 87(8), 28–31.

McNab, J. (2016, December). Large industries in limited space. Model Railroader, 83(12), 52–55.

McNab, J. (2016, January). From hidden staging to visible yards. Model Railroad Planning 2016, 78–81.

McNab, J. (2014, October). Less is more on a modern branch line. Great Model Railroads 2015, 44–51.

McNab, J., & Hardecopf, J. (2014, January). Choosing the right place at the right time. Model Railroad Planning 2014, 64–69.

McNab, J. (2013, October). Use layered foliage to enhance your scenery. Model Railroader, 80(10), 50–53.

Web-Based Publications

Johnson, K., Lake, B., McNab, J., Maaske, J., & Popp, D. (2017, November). MRVP layout visit: James McNab’s Iowa Interstate Grimes Line in HO scale [Video file]. Model Railroader Video Plus. http://mrv.trains.com/layouts/layout-visits/2017/11/mrvp-layout-visit-james-mcnabs-iowa-interstate-grimes-line-in-ho-scale

McNab, J. (2013, December). Locking up your layout. Model Railroad Hobbyist. https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/magazine/mrh-2013-12-dec

Professional Service

Member, Advisory Council
Des Moines Public Schools Broadcast and Film Department
2025 – Present

Judge, Signature Station Award
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2025 – Present

Judge, Faculty Mixed/Pedagogical Video Competition
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2025 – Present

Judge, Faculty Promotional Video Competition
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2024

Conference Coordinator/Facilitator
Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities IT Conference
2023

Member, Advisory Council
Des Moines Area Community College Video Production Program
2021 – Present

Judge, Documentary Competition
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2020 – Present

Judge, Instructional Video Competition
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2020 – 2021

Conference Coordinator/Facilitator
Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities IT Conference
2019 – 2020

Producer
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2018 – 2020

Judge, Student Narrative Video Competition
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2018 – Present

Member, Rules Committee, Interactive Media and Emerging Technology Competition
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2017

Judge, Creative Works Competition
Broadcast Education Association Super-Regional Conference
2017

Judge, District VI Institutional Awards
Council for Advancement and Support of Education
2015 – 2020

Judge, Interactive Media and Emerging Technology Competition
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2015 – Present

University Service

Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa

Member, Curriculum Committee
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2026 – Present

Faculty Escort, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Iowa State University Commencement Ceremonies
2026

Member, Digital Storytelling Major Committee
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2025 – Present

Coordinator, GSJC Studio Project
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2024 – Present

Coordinator, Greenlee Student Showcase
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2024 – Present

Member, Undergraduate Committee
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2024 – 2026

Member, Sports Media & Communication Major Committee
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2024 – Present

Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa

Member, staff search committees (eight)
Information Technology Services
2017 – 2023

Member, Multimedia Engineer Search Committee
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
2017

Member, President’s Committee on Commencement
Office of the Registrar
2016 – 2023

Member, Communications Committee
Information Technology Services
2016 – 2017

Chair, Lecture Capture Selection Committee
Council of Academic and Administrative Departments Technology Subcommittee
2012 – 2013

Member, Communications Committee
All-Staff Council
2011 – 2014

Member, Multimedia Instructor Search Committee
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
2010

Chair, Selection Committee
OIT Podcasting Service
2008 – 2009

Professional Memberships

Broadcast Education Association
2014 – Present

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 745
2011 – Present

Awards and Recognition

Called to Be True Blue Award
Drake University
2019, 2014

Winner, Excellence in Video Production
Telly Awards
2004

Selected Media Coverage

Harmon, E. (2026, April). Media on trial. Drake Political Review, 12(2), 34–36.

Prescott, M. (2026, March 12). Greenlee students receive 16 Upper Midwest Emmy nominations. Iowa State Daily. https://iowastatedaily.com/333896/news/greenlee-students-receive-16-upper-midwest-emmy-nominations/

Perkins, K. (2026, February 23). Greenlee School students earn national recognition at Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts. Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. https://greenlee.iastate.edu/2026/02/23/greenlee-school-students-earn-national-recognition-at-broadcast-education-association-festival-of-media-arts/

Sheaffer, K. (2026, February 22). Lights, camera, classroom: Studio 308 puts Greenlee students on air. Iowa State Daily. https://iowastatedaily.com/331947/news/lights-camera-classroom-studio-308-puts-greenlee-students-on-air/

Perkins, K. (2025, December 3). Greenlee students work ESPN broadcast, state championships over Thanksgiving. Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. https://greenlee.iastate.edu/2025/12/03/greenlee-students-work-espn-broadcast-state-championships-over-thanksgiving/

Sullivan, S. (2025, Fall). Cardinal and gold tackles the Emerald Isle. Iowa Stater. https://iowastater.iastate.edu/fall-2025/article/cardinal-and-gold-tackles-emerald-isle

Woods, M. (2025, November 4). New sports media major brings uniqueness to Greenlee. Iowa State Daily. https://iowastatedaily.com/326079/sports/new-sports-media-major-brings-uniqueness-to-greenlee/

Schaeffer, J. (2025, October 28). Innovation through sports broadcasting and digital media. The SICTR Second Podcast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua-GE_Wc1b8

Budlong, J. (2025, October 22). Students provide local service, get well-rounded experience. Inside Iowa State. https://www.inside.iastate.edu/article/2025/10/22/students-provide-local-service-get-well-rounded-experience

Stroner, E. (2025, August 21). Iowa State communication students, Irish pub prepare for Farmageddon in Ireland. We Are Iowa Local 5 News. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jZEfuc8CVw

Perkins, K. (2025, May 30). Greenlee professor brings sports broadcasting experience back to Iowa State. Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. https://greenlee.iastate.edu/2025/05/30/greenlee-professor-brings-sports-broadcasting-experience-back-to-iowa-state/

Melody, B. (2024, January 31). Greenlee swinging for sports media and communication degree. Iowa State Daily. https://iowastatedaily.com/289030/news/greenlee-swinging-for-sports-media-and-communication-degree/

Horak, R. (2023, May 1). Changing classroom assessments to meet students’ needs. ASM.org. https://asm.org/Articles/2023/May/Changing-Classroom-Assessments-to-Meet-Students-Ne

Heartley, J. (2011, September 11). Journalism production class wins award for sports program. Times-Delphic. https://timesdelphic.com/2011/09/journalism-production-class-wins-award-for-sports-program/

Certifications

Adobe Certified Professional
Premiere Pro
2023

Adobe Certified Associate
Photoshop
2012

Apple Certified Pro
Final Cut Studio (Final Cut Pro 6–7 and Compressor, multiple levels)
2007 – 2010