Tia McMillen Headshot

Tia McMillen

Adjunct Professor

Part-Time Faculty
Socials

Biography

Tia McMillen is a senior communications planner and public affairs liaison at the Defense Health Agency (DHA). Tia Nichole is also a Navy Reserve public affairs officer (PAO) currently assigned to Navy Public Affairs Support Element Headquarters.

Outside of the office, she is a professor of business and communication courses at Tidewater Community College; she serves as a curriculum designer and facilitator in the graduate public leadership program at University of San Francisco; and is a professor for the graduate organizational communications program at Northeastern University. She is also the proud owner of a resume writing business, helping veterans transition to federal and corporate positions. In a volunteer capacity, Tia Nichole serves as the American Legion Post 88 First Vice Commander and Veteran Service Officer, and as the Director of Administration for tHRive — Hampton Road's young professional group.

Expertise

  • Strategic & crisis communication
  • Public affairs
  • Interagency & humanitarian operations
  • Media relations & community outreach
  • Course facilitation & design

Research Areas

  • Mis-and-dis information campaigns
  • Educational leadership
  • Joint & interagency planning

Education

  • The American University, MS in Advanced Financial Planning, 2024
  • University of San Francisco, MA in Public Leadership, 2021
  • The American University, MA in Management and Leadership, 2013
  • Northeastern University, MA in Business and Organizational Communication, 2012
  • Messiah University, BA in Communication, 2008

Prior Experience

  • Senior Communications Planner, Defense Health Agency
  • Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
  • CEO, Heaps of Help
  • Adjunct Professor, Tidewater Community College
  • Adjunct Professor, Northeastern University