Education

• MBA Jones International University
• BLA University of Missouri–Kansas City

About

Christa Nelson, MBA, is an assistant professor of business and marketing at Mount Mercy University, where she transitioned from an adjunct role to a full-time faculty position in Fall 2020.

With teaching experience dating back to 2004, she has instructed at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels, including several years in the adult accelerated programs. Nelson primarily teaches courses in business, marketing, and communication and serves as an academic advisor and curriculum coordinator for both marketing and sports management majors.

As a gifted encourager and natural brand influencer, Nelson specializes in tactical marketing strategies, digital marketing, social media, SEO, graphic/web design, and storytelling. Passionate about education, she frequently guest lectures on topics including branding techniques and communication tools. Nelson is dedicated to helping others discover their unique identity and tell their story. As a personal and professional brand advocate, she is committed to empowering students, young entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes to pursue their aspirations.

Nelson’s expertise and contributions have earned her multiple accolades, such as being named a 2020 KCRG Show You Care Honoree, the Class of 2024 Women of Achievement Honoree, and in 2021-22, she was one of the Iowa Private Schools Professors who received an ICOER Grant for her research on making the classroom a more equitable learning environment, helping students overcome learning barriers. In 2023, Nelson was presented with a Business Innovation & Support Grant from the City of Marion and Marion Chamber of Commerce. She is also a proud graduate of the Marion Leadership in Action Class of 2017, holds the Certified Professional Services Marketer designation, and is one of the few legal marketers in Iowa.

Nelson serves on the EPC (Educational Policies Committee) and Social Committees and recently served on the university’s strategic planning committee. Renowned for her approachable style and genuine enthusiasm for teaching, Nelson fosters an engaging and enjoyable learning environment. Her leadership strengths, as assessed by Gallup's StrengthsFinder 2.0, include Strategic, Developer, Communication, Arranger, and Adaptability, with Real Colors identifying her as Orange, Blue, and Gold.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Nelson serves as a Marion Chamber Red Coats Ambassador and, along with her students, has volunteered with over 30 nonprofits in the past year. The Iowa native is also the owner of Epiphany, a local advertising agency, and previously founded The Epiphany Group, Inc., a full-service marketing firm in Atlanta. In her personal life, Nelson enjoys adventuring in her Jeep with her poodle, Stella, and cherishes time spent with her family, including her three sons, two godsons, and grandson, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.