Nancy McCauley Branstetter | B.A. College of Communication Arts and Sciences, 1972; M.A. College of Communication Arts and Sciences, 1979
From a young woman who described herself as introverted to a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and industry trailblazer, Nancy McCauley-Branstetter’s career exemplifies the power of perseverance, integrity and courage. A proud two-time graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Nancy receives the Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of her decades-long impact on journalism, public awareness and community advancement.
Nancy always knew she would be a Spartan. Her father was a professor at MSU, and she grew up with a deep appreciation for the university's values and community. That connection inspired her to pursue both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at MSU, where she laid the foundation for an extraordinary career in journalism.
When Nancy first entered the broadcast world, it was a space largely dominated by others who didn’t always welcome her presence. Early in her career, she faced harsh challenges, some as blatant as colleagues lighting her script on fire while she was live on air. But she pressed on, bolstered by her own belief in her abilities and by the unwavering encouragement of mentors and supporters. “I had people around me, cheering me on. They would tell me that I could do it, and it gave me the confidence to try,” she recalls.
Over 25 years with Fox 2 in Detroit, Nancy became one of the most trusted voices in investigative journalism. Her reporting didn’t just inform, it led to real-world change. Her work contributed to the reduction of heroin on Detroit streets, helped implement protections for the elderly in Michigan and raised awareness of the struggles facing veterans exposed to Agent Orange. She interviewed every U.S. president from Jimmy Carter to George W. Bush and brought forward stories from people across all walks of life.
Her commitment to impact extended beyond the newsroom. After transitioning to corporate communications at Ford Motor Company, she oversaw broadcast media relations and crisis response and helped launch the Ford Volunteer Corps. Later, she founded NMB Communications and consulted for nonprofits on clean energy, business growth and community organizing. Today, she leads Highland Kindness, a grassroots group devoted to inspiring compassion and unity through local action.
Nancy’s achievements have earned her national distinction, including induction into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame and recognition as a 2024 Gold Circle Honoree by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. For someone who once wondered how an introvert might find her place in such a bold and demanding industry, Nancy proved that resolve and authenticity can break barriers and build legacies.
In honoring Nancy with the Distinguished Alumni Award, Michigan State celebrates a Spartan whose voice has shaped communities, policies and possibilities — and who continues to uplift others with grace and purpose.