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 and 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 – 2023Adjunct Professor
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs
2020Adjunct Professor
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
2014 – 2017
Courses DEVELOPED
Iowa State University
After Effects for Mass Communication
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2025Sports Broadcast Production
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2025Greenlee Global: Touchdown in Dublin Study Abroad
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2025
Des Moines Area Community College
Commercial Video Production
Design, Media & the Arts
2025
Drake University
The Florida Project
First-Year Seminars
2020
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Member, Advisory Committee
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 Video Competition, Mixed/Pedagogical
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2025 – Present
Judge, Faculty Video Competition, Promotional
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2024
Conference Coordinator/Facilitator
Iowa Association of Independent Colleges & Associations IT Conference
2023
Member, Advisory Committee
Des Moines Area Community College Video Program
2021 – Present
Judge, Documentary Video 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 & Associations IT Conference
2019 – 2020
Producer
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2018 – 2020
Judge, Student Video Competition, Narrative
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2018 – Present
Rules Committee Member, 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, Interactive Media and Emerging Technology Competition
Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts
2015 – Present
Judge, Institutional Awards
Council for the Advancement and Support of Education District VI
2015 – 2020
INVITED PRESENTATIONS
2026 Broadcast Education Association National Convention
Passport to Publication: Study Abroad Programs That Produce Media Professionals
Accepted for April 2026
2026 Broadcast Education Association National Convention
Ideal Sizes and Roles for Student Group Field Productions
Accepted for April 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
2024 Iowa High School Press Association Conference
Effective Sequencing for Visual Storytelling
Delivered October 24, 2024
2024 Iowa High School Press Association Conference
Slam Dunk Success: Building Your Skills in Sports Media
Delivered October 24, 2024
2023 American Society for Microbiology Teaching & Learning Community
Artificial Intelligence: Pedagogy and Practice
Delivered May 31, 2023
2022 Iowa Association of Independent Colleges & Associations IT Conference
Lessons Learned for the Post-Pandemic Pedagogical Puzzle
Delivered May 26, 2022
2018 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
2012 Iowa Association of Independent Colleges & Associations IT Conference
iTunes U and You
Delivered June 5, 2012
2012 Iowa Distance Learning Association IACONN Conference
iTunes U and You
Delivered April 13, 2012
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Recipient, Called To Be True Blue
Drake University
2019
Recipient, Called To Be True Blue
Drake University
2014
Winner, Excellence in Video Production
Telly Awards
2004
GRANTS RECEIVED
TLAS Grant, Iowa State University
$38,600
2025
TLAS Grant, Iowa State University
$1,000
2025
TLAS Grant, Iowa State University
$5,600
2025
TLAS Grant, Iowa State University
$3,000
2025
TLAS Grant, Iowa State University
$11,500
2025
TLAS Grant, Iowa State University
$2,500
2025
TLAS Grant, Iowa State University
$2,000
2025
TLAS Grant, Iowa State University
$800
2025
SVPP Term Faculty Professional Development Award, Iowa State University
$1,000
2024
TLAS Grant, Iowa State University
$42,000
2024
TLAS Grant, Iowa State University
$1,200
2024
Externships
LTN Global Communications
Liberty, Missouri
2024
MEDIA MENTIONS
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. (Fall 2025). 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://www.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
Perkins, K. (2025, September 15). Student-produced sports show, “Prep Sports Central”, premieres on Greenlee school tv. Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. https://greenlee.iastate.edu/2025/09/15/student-produced-sports-show-prep-sports-central-premieres-on-greenlee-school-tv/
Perkins, K. (2025, September 8). Greenlee students provide coverage for CyHawk matchup. Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. https://greenlee.iastate.edu/2025/09/08/greenlee-students-provide-coverage-for-cyhawk-matchup/
Shortenhaus, E. (2025, August 22). The shades of green I experienced in Ireland. Iowa State Daily. https://iowastatedaily.com/319593/opinion/the-shades-of-green-i-experienced-in-ireland/
Stroner, E. (2025, August 21). Iowa state communication students, Irish pub prepare for farmeggedon in Ireland. We Are Iowa Local 5 News. https://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/
Marzorati, H. (2024, September 29). Sports media week to be hosted this week by Greenlee school of journalism and communication. Iowa State Daily. https://iowastatedaily.com/300093/news/sports-media-week-to-be-hosted-this-week-by-greenlee-school-of-journalism-and-communication/
Wyckoff, S. (2024, March 27). The impact of the pandemic and online learning on Iowa’s public universities. Iowa State Daily. https://iowastatedaily.com/293664/news/the-impact-of-the-pandemic-and-online-learning-on-iowas-public-universities/
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
Armentrout, H. (2012, November 18). New options for lecture recording up for discussion with oit. Times-Delphic. https://timesdelphic.com/2012/11/new-options-for-lecture-recording-up-for-discussion-with-oit/
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/
Schnoebelen, A. (2010, November 15). Student senate taps into social technology. Times-Delphic. https://timesdelphic.com/2010/11/student-senate-taps-into-social-technology/
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Independent Freelance/Contract Production
Producer/Director/Replay Operator
2003 – Present
- Provide creative, administrative, and technical services for national, regional, and local broadcasts specializing in live-event programming
- Schedule and coordinate talent, technical crews, and remote operational aspects before and during events
- Research and develop storylines and key elements for use during broadcasts to inform and engage audience
- Foster and maintain positive working relations with media officials, school representatives, and broadcast administration
Select Client List
ABC News
ABC Sports
Big Ten Network
CBS Sports
Comcast Sports Network
ESPN Television
FOX Sports/Fox Sport Net
Learfield Sports
NBC Sports
Notable Projects
ESPN DII Game of the Week, Producer/Director
Oversaw and executed weekly feature game broadcasts at Division II schools across the country for national audience on ESPN networkCBS Under Armour All-America Volleyball Match, Producer
Conceived and coordinated primetime broadcast of All- American high school volleyball competition for national audience on CBS Sports networkConference USA Men’s & Women’s Basketball Tournaments, Producer
Produced and coordinated simultaneous studio productions for week-long, multi-site men’s and women’s basketball tournaments for national audience on ASN networkDes Moines Symphony Yankee Doodle Pops, Director
Directed annual live coverage of musical performances for third-largest Independence Day celebration by attendance in the nationABC News Presidential Primary Debates, Videotape Operator
Served as videotape operator for multiple nationally televised presidential primary debates
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa
Senior Media Producer
2016 – 2023
- Led university in the management, production, and distribution of multimedia projects for use by academic, administrative, promotional, and outreach programs
- Developed overall themes for both multi-faceted projects as well as individual concepts while determining appropriate mediums and resources to effectively deliver finished product
- Engaged with faculty, staff, and the campus at-large to facilitate effective and sustainable media production services in support of the entire university community
- Oversaw and maintained university media delivery systems, including live-streaming, podcasting, and flipped classroom solutions
Multimedia Producer/Analyst
2011-2016
- Coordinated and managed multimedia projects for academic and administrative units across campus
- Identified emerging trends in the field of educational media technology and support the integration of these trends into teaching and learning environments
- Researched, recommended, and implemented hardware and software configurations to meet diverse user needs
Multimedia Producer
2007 – 2011
- Designed, created, and delivered multimedia projects in support of university academic mission
- Instructed faculty, staff, and students in skill-building and knowledge application that enhances their use of multimedia and presentation technology
- Collaborated with faculty, staff, and administration on creative approaches to meet learning goals using digital media
Notable Projects
Panopto Content Management System, Chair/Administrator
Oversaw implementation of campus-wide video content management system and lecture capture hardware for use by all faculty, staff, and students, both in person and at distance, with diverse user needsDrake Commencement Ceremonies, Producer/Director
Conceived and coordinated coverage of annual campus commencement ceremonies, both in-person and virtual versions, for in-house and world-wide live stream viewingDigital Storytelling, Instructor
Developed and presented best practices to faculty, staff, and students in creating multimedia storytelling content for university classes, departments, and programsMultimedia Experience Workshops, Coordinator/Facilitator
Developed and delivered monthly training workshops for faculty and staff on use of multimedia applications in academic environmentsDrake on iTunes U, Coordinator/Administrator
Coordinated university video, audio, and RSS feeds on iTunes U service for use by internal and external campus community participants
Mediacom Communications
Des Moines, Iowa
Producer/Editor
2004 – 2007
- Conceived and produced original programming content for regional sports and entertainment network
- Coordinated creative and technical aspects for local, regional, and national level live-event programming
- Developed production workflows, style guidelines, and delivery methods for variety of local origination programming
Notable Projects
Learfield Sports Productions, Producer/Director
Served as line producer and director for pre-game and post- game broadcasts for Iowa and Iowa State sporting events, including 2005 Capital One Bowl, 2006 Outback Bowl, and 2005-2006 CyHawk SeriesIowa State University Sesquicentennial, Producer/Editor
Worked with Iowa State University academic, alumni, and student life departments to produce promotional video for campus sesquicentennial celebrationFour Hire, Producer/Editor
Collaborated with Greater Des Moines Business Partnership and national corporate sponsors to produce reality-based television series for Midwest regional distribution
KFPX Television
Urbandale, Iowa
Director of Creative Services
2003 – 2004
- Developed and executed station’s commercial, marketing, and promotional campaigns
- Hired, coordinated, and collaborated with outside vendors and service providers
- Managed day-to-day operations, set budgets, and recruited, hired, and mentored employees
- Fostered a positive working relationship with local, regional, and national clients
Production Editor
2001 – 2003
- Oversaw a variety of commercial, corporate, and promotional projects for station clients
- Worked closely with clients to establish a comfortable rapport and ensure high satisfaction with finished project
Notable Projects
Cooking with Cookies, Editor/Videographer
Selected by client and agency to develop and produce regional and national campaigns for food product line, including commercial and long-format productionsThe Golf Academy, Producer/Editor/Videographer
Developed and produced long-format sports instructional series for regional broadcast
KCCI Television
Des Moines, Iowa
Associate Producer
2000 – 2001
- Created, formatted, and oversaw production of daily morning newscast for nationally-ranked CBS affiliate
- Collaborated with newsroom, production, engineering, and promotional departments to ensure high quality and compelling broadcasts
- Coordinated multiple tasks and responsibilities while meeting numerous concurrent internal and external deadlines
Videotape Editor
2000
- Created and managed video and multimedia elements for multiple evening newscasts for nationally-ranked CBS affiliate
- Coordinated with reporters, anchors, videographers, and newsroom management to ensure both accuracy of content as well as timely delivery to meet deadlines
Notable Projects
Commitment 2000, Associate Producer/Editor
Developed and produced interviews, features, and reports covering political candidates running for federal, state, and municipal office, including live coverage of election night results
UNIVERSITY SERVICE
iowa state university
Faculty Mentor
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2025 – PresentMember, Digital Storytelling Major Committee
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2025 – PresentTechnical Advisor
GSJC Studio Project
2024 – PresentCoordinator
Greenlee Student Showcase
2024 – PresentMember, Undergraduate Committee
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2024 – PresentFaculty Advisor & Coordinator
Greenlee School Television
2024 – PresentMember, Sports Media & Communication Major Committee
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
2024 – Present
Drake University
Member, Systems Analyst Search Committee
Information Technology Services
2023Member, LMS Technician Search Committee
Information Technology Services
2020Member, Assistant Director for Campus Relations Search Committee
Information Technology Services
2019Member, Campus Technician Search Committee
Information Technology Services
2019Member, Assistant Director Search Committee
Information Technology Services
2019Member, Classroom Support Technician Search Committee
Information Technology Services
2018Member, Multimedia Engineer Search Committee
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
2017Member, LMS Specialist Search Committee
Information Technology Services
2017Member, Digital Media Support and Classroom Trainer Search Committee
Information Technology Services
2017Member, President’s Committee on Commencement
Office of the Registrar
2016 – 2023Member, Communications Committee
Information Technology Services
2016 – 2017Chair, Lecture Capture Selection Committee
Council of Academic and Administrative Departments Technology Subcommittee
2012 – 2013Member, Communications Committee
All-Staff Council
2011 – 2014Member, Multimedia Instructor Search Committee
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
2010Member, Podcasting Service Selection Committee
Information Technology Services
2008 – 2009
UNIVERSITY PRESENTATIONS
Iowa State University
2025 Iowa High School Media Fall Kickoff
Best Practices for Mobile Video Production
Delivered September 4, 20252025 Sports Media & Communication Training Camp
Electronic Field Editing
Delivered June 30, 20252025 Sports Media & Communication Training Camp
Single Camera Production
Delivered June 30, 2025
Drake University
2018 Learning Symposium
Blackboard Crucial Conversations: Best Practices From, and For, the Community
Delivered August 20, 20182018 EdTech Workshop
Video in Courses
Delivered March 26, 20182017 Community Research Summer Scholars Program
Best Practices in Audio Creation, Editing, and Delivery
Delivered July 26th and July 27th, 20172017 Did You Know/HR BUILD Program
Inside Information Technology Services
Delivered February 2, 20172016 HR BUILD Program
Technology Tools and Tips
Delivered October 11, 20162015 Learning Symposium
Gateway to Digital Production: Integrating Multimedia Elements into Your Classroom
Delivered August 21, 20152014 OIT Workshop
Using Panopto on Campus
Delivered February 5, 20142013 OIT Workshop
Using Panopto on Campus
Delivered November 13 and 14, 20132012 Drake University FYS Program
Presenting iMovie
Delivered September 5, 20122012 College Bound St. Louis
Studio Production Workshop
Delivered June 27, 20122012 OIT Workshop
iMovie Essentials
Delivered April 11, 20122012 OIT Workshop
Welcome to Photoshop
Delivered February 8, 20122011 OIT Workshop
Picture Perfect Photography in the Digital Age
Delivered November 9, 20112011 Human Resources Workshop
Death By Powerpoint and How to Avoid It
Delivered October 5, 20112011 OIT Workshop
Using iTunes U in the Classroom
Delivered September 7, 20112010 OIT Workshop
The Multimedia Education Experience
Delivered December 1, 20102010 OIT Workshop
Podcasting and iTunes U at Drake University
Delivered September 14, 2010
CERTIFICATIONS
Adobe Certified Professional
Premiere Pro
Adobe Certified Associate
Photoshop
Apple Certified Pro
Compressor 3.5, Level 1
Apple Certified Pro
Final Cut Pro 7, Level 2
Apple Certified Pro
Final Cut Pro 7, Level 1
Apple Certified Pro
Final Cut Pro 6, Level 2
Apple Certified Pro
Final Cut Pro 6, Level 1
PUBLICATIONS (non-PEER reviewed)
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). Tips from the masters. In T. Koester (Ed.), Time-saving techniques for building model railroads (pp. 111). 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. (2025, January). Planning tip: peninsula diffuser panels. Model Railroad Planning 2025, 84.
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). 5 tips for trouble-free turnouts. Model Railroader, 87(8), 28–31.
McNab, J. (2020, January). Planning tip: Fascia signs. Model Railroad Planning 2020, 93.
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.
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 Dot 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.
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. Retrieved from 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, 46. Retrieved from https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/magazine/mrh-2013-12-dec
James McNab 