30/11/2024
Todd Felts was the professor that made me fall in love with journalism and taught me how to think creatively and outside the box. I owe him a huge thank you for the role he has played in molding my PR career. A shocking and saddening lost. Thank you Todd for your confidence, patience, friendship and guidance.
It is with profound sadness that we share the news that Dr. Todd Felts, a longtime professor in the Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday. We wish to express our sincere condolences to Todd’s husband, mother, family and friends.
From the moment Todd joined our faculty in 2008, Todd’s infectious joy for the work that he did was immediately apparent. His love, care and compassion for everyone was felt throughout our campus and in our community. He was, simply, a bundle of energy who could also be an incredibly thoughtful and steadying force for anyone he ever knew.
Todd’s professional accomplishments were many, and speak to the many successes he had in furthering the University’s institutional mission as well as building strong and productive relationships with our community. He received the 2019 Distinguished Outreach Faculty award and in 2014, he was named the recipient of the Honors Program Distinguished Faculty Award. He also directed the graduate program in interactive journalism and for many years he has been involved in several international visitor programs to Nevada, including serving as the academic director for the Algerian Youth Leadership Program since 2009.
A hallmark of Todd’s career at the University was that his students always knew he was preparing them to become successful professionals while also wholeheartedly and unabashedly caring for them as people. He lived this wonderful, energetic and optimistic example throughout his life.
His husband, Tony, shared this message: “Todd had a spirit as expansive as the mountains he loved here in Reno, Nevada. He was a connector, a beacon of warmth, and a friend to so many. His impact on our community—and on those far and wide—was immeasurable. In honor of Todd, I encourage you to reach out to someone you love today. Tell them what they mean to you. Todd’s life was a testament to connection, love, and community. Let’s carry that forward in his memory.”
We will miss you, Todd.
Students and faculty have been contacted about resources that are available through University Counseling Services and other programs. We will share information about a memorial service for Todd as details become available.
