Alicia Nails
Biography
Alicia Nails directs the Journalism Institute for Media Diversity - a 40-year-old learning community dedicated to preparing students with underrepresented voices to take their places in America's newsrooms and the wider media environment. She is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and freelance writer whose work has appeared in the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, the Michigan Chronicle and other publications. She serves on the board of the Detroit chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists and is a sought-after voice in the community, appearing on both radio and TV.
Her journalism background includes writing/producing television at WXIA (NBC) Atlanta; WTVS (PBS) Detroit; WCBS (CBS) and Essence Communications, both in New York City; and at Detroit’s WJBK-TV 2 (FOX). She also reported breaking news and features as a writer/producer at Detroit’s WWJ Newsradio 950 (CBS).
The media professional has executed city-wide PR campaigns for non-profits, including the African World Festival, and for the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has served as Delta’s Michigan state journalist and on the National Communications Committee of the Sorority. She has also been managing editor of national publications and executive communications for The Links, Incorporated.
Nails has produced major fundraisers, including WSU’s “Salute to Emery King,” and “The Salute to 25 Year Journalists.” For the UNCF she produced several Mayors’ Balls, and presentations of the Ebony Fashion Fair.
Degrees and Certifications
Wayne State University Law School
Juris Doctor, May 1995
Primary Research Link
Reporting on diversity, with emphasis on inclusion of voices and views from the full range of races, genders / gender identities and cultures in our society.Courses taught by Alicia Nails
Fall Term 2025 (future)
Winter Term 2025
Fall Term 2024
- COM4250 - Reporting Race, Gender, and Culture
- COM5710 - Law and Ethics in Journalism and Mass Media
- COM6280 - Reporting on Diversity
Winter Term 2024
Fall Term 2023
- COM4250 - Reporting Race, Gender, and Culture
- COM5250 - Professional Issues in Journalism and Mass Media
- COM6280 - Reporting on Diversity
Spring-Summer Term 2023
Winter Term 2023
- COM4250 - Reporting Race, Gender, and Culture
- COM5250 - Professional Issues in Journalism and Mass Media
- COM6280 - Reporting on Diversity