Todd Felts was an American journalism professor, public relations professional, and communications expert known for his influential career in education and media. Born on October 11, 1970, he built extensive experience in public relations, journalism, government communications, and advertising before joining the University of Nevada, Reno. For nearly 17 years, he taught students at the Reynolds School of Journalism and became respected for his mentorship and community involvement. His professional achievements included several university honors and recognition for his contributions to communication and outreach. Felts also participated in various community organizations and leadership programs. He died unexpectedly on November 28, 2024, at the age of 54, leaving a lasting legacy.
Who Was He?
Michael Todd Felts was an educator and communications professional whose career combined journalism, public relations, advertising and community service. He became a respected member of the University of Nevada, Reno community after joining the Reynolds School of Journalism in 2008.
During his years at the university, he taught students about public relations, advertising, social media and strategic communication. His professional background allowed him to bring real-world experience into the classroom, helping students understand how communication works beyond textbooks.
He was also recognized for his ability to connect with people. University colleagues described him as someone who made others feel seen and heard, while his community work showed that his interests extended well beyond the classroom.
Early Life and Education
Todd Felts was born on October 11, 1970. He grew up in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, where he developed an interest in communication and performance at a young age.
According to the University of Nevada, Reno, he was involved in his high school football team and later became a member of the cheer squad while attending what is now Lenoir-Rhyne University. His athletic and performance interests were one of the memorable parts of his younger years.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Lenoir-Rhyne University. He later continued his education at Georgetown University, earning a master’s degree in liberal studies and international communications.
His academic journey continued at Drexel University, where he earned a Doctor of Education degree in management and leadership. His doctoral work reflected his interest in education, communication and professional development.
Date of Birth and Age
He was born on October 11, 1970, in North Carolina. He was 54 years old when he died on November 28, 2024.
His obituary confirms both his birth date and date of death.
Journalism Career
His professional career began in journalism. He worked as a reporter at WGHP TV, gaining practical experience in broadcast news and developing skills that would later become important in his public relations and teaching career.
After his time in television, he moved into public information and communications. He worked as the public information officer for the North Carolina Zoological Park and the North Carolina Department of Environment & Natural Resources. These positions gave him experience in dealing with organizations, media and the public.
His career eventually expanded beyond traditional journalism into government communications, public relations and business development.
Career in Government and Public Relations
Before becoming a university professor, Felts accumulated more than two decades of professional experience in journalism, advertising and communications.
One significant part of his career was his work in North Carolina government. He spent about five years working as a speechwriter and press secretary for Gov. Jim Hunt. The role required strong writing, media and communication skills and gave him firsthand experience working in public affairs.
He later spent years working in Washington, D.C., including communications and business development positions. At one point, he served as national director of business development for Ogletree Deakins, a major labor and employment law firm.
These experiences became valuable when he eventually moved into higher education because he could teach communication from the perspective of someone who had actually worked in the field.
Work at the University of Nevada, Reno
In 2008, Felts joined the University of Nevada, Reno’s Reynolds School of Journalism. He remained there for nearly 17 years and became one of the school’s recognizable journalism and public relations educators.
He taught public relations and advertising and also became involved in graduate education. He served as director of the graduate program in interactive journalism for several years.
His teaching approach emphasized practical communication skills. Rather than focusing only on theory, he drew on his professional experience to prepare students for careers in journalism, advertising and public relations.
The university later described him as a professor who had a lasting influence on students and colleagues.
Teaching and Mentoring
Teaching was one of the most important parts of his professional life. Students benefited from his experience in journalism, government communications, advertising and public relations.
He also mentored students outside ordinary classroom activities. His work included social media, crisis communication, media training and other areas relevant to modern communication professionals.
The university’s remembrance of him highlighted his ability to create an environment where people felt comfortable sharing their ideas. This mentoring role became an important part of his legacy.
Awards and Achievements
His contributions were recognized through several professional and university honors.
In 2014, he received the University of Nevada, Reno’s Honors Program Distinguished Faculty Award.
In 2019, he received the university’s Distinguished Outreach Faculty Award. The award recognized his work connecting academic knowledge with the wider community.
He also earned the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential, demonstrating his professional expertise in public relations.
After his death, his contributions continued to receive recognition. In 2025, PRSA Sierra Nevada presented him with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award for his impact as an educator, mentor and communications professional.
Community Service and Leadership
His influence extended well beyond the university.
For more than 15 years, he served as academic director for the North Nevada International Center’s Algerian Youth Leadership Program. Through that work, he helped foster international connections and leadership opportunities for young people.
He also served on the board of Nevada HOPES beginning in 2016. The organization works to provide health and wellness services in Northern Nevada.
In addition, he played an active role in Reno’s arts and community events. He served as chair of the Reno Philharmonic’s Pops on the River event for several years. His community contributions were also recognized when he was named Human Services Network Board Member of the Year.
Wife and Family
According to his obituary, Felts is survived by his husband, Tony Avila, his mother, Betty Felts, and his beloved dog, Simon. His father, David Felts, had died before him.
His family remained an important part of his life, while his professional and community relationships also created a large network of people who remembered him after his passing.
What Happened to Him?
Felts died unexpectedly on November 28, 2024, according to the University of Nevada, Reno and his official obituary. He was 54 years old.
The university announced his death on November 29, 2024, with President Brian Sandoval describing his passing as unexpected.
Importantly, reliable sources reviewed for this biography do not provide a confirmed cause of death. Therefore, claims about a specific medical condition or cause should not be included unless supported by a reliable official source.
When Did He Die?
He died on November 28, 2024, at the age of 54. His official obituary lists his life dates as October 11, 1970, to November 28, 2024.
His death was followed by memorial events in North Carolina and at the University of Nevada, Reno, where students and colleagues gathered to remember his contribution to the university and community.
Legacy
The strongest part of his legacy was arguably the influence he had on students and young communications professionals.
For nearly 17 years at the Reynolds School of Journalism, he helped students develop practical skills and confidence for careers in public relations, advertising and journalism. His professional background made his classroom teaching especially practical.
His community involvement also demonstrated a commitment to service. From leadership programs and nonprofit boards to arts events and media training, he contributed his communication skills to organizations throughout Northern Nevada.
His posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award from PRSA Sierra Nevada in 2025 further reflected the lasting impact of his work.
Quick Fact
| Quick Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Todd Felts |
| Known As | Todd Felts |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, USA |
| Date of Death | November 28, 2024 |
| Age at Death | 54 years |
| Profession | Journalism Professor, Public Relations Professional |
| University | University of Nevada, Reno |
| School | Reynolds School of Journalism |
| Education | Lenoir-Rhyne University, Georgetown University, Drexel University |
| Husband | Tony Avila |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Journalism, Public Relations, Teaching & Community Service |
| Cause of Death | Not publicly confirmed in reliable sources |
Conclusion
His life combined journalism, education, public relations and community service. From his early work in television and government communications to his nearly 17 years teaching at the University of Nevada, Reno, he built a career centered on communication and helping others succeed. Although his unexpected death in November 2024 ended his life at 54, his influence continued through the students he mentored, organizations he supported and communications professionals he helped develop. His awards and posthumous recognition demonstrate the lasting respect he earned throughout his career.
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FAQs
When was he born?
He was born on October 11, 1970, in North Carolina.
Was he married?
His obituary states that he is survived by his husband, Tony Avila.
What was the cause of death?
A confirmed cause of death has not been stated in the reliable sources reviewed for this article. His university described the death as unexpected.
What awards did he receive?
Among his honors were the 2014 Honors Program Distinguished Faculty Award and the 2019 Distinguished Outreach Faculty Award. In 2025, he was also honored posthumously with a PRSA Sierra Nevada Lifetime Achievement Award.
Where did he teach?
He taught at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Reynolds School of Journalism, beginning in 2008.
