Biography and education
Sara Shields is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. Shields is part of the Digital Media Innovation faculty and teaches courses that introduce students to web design, video production, graphic design and social media.
Shields received her B.S. in Public Relations and M.A. in Digital Media from Texas State University. She has worked in digital production for over 10 years specializing in web development and video production. Shields has produced professional commercials and radio ads that have been run throughout Central Texas. Shields has also managed a roster of over 15+ clients throughout the country while working in a digital marketing role in Austin, TX. Aside from teaching full time at Texas State University, she also runs a digital production business where she works on developing websites, video production and photography with around 20 clients per year. Sara is currently an FAA licensed commercial drone pilot.
Shields has been a speaker at multiple conferences primarily speaking about drones. Shields was also a speaker at SXSW Interactive where she discussed technology and graphic design.
Shields received her B.S. in Public Relations and M.A. in Digital Media from Texas State University. She has worked in digital production for over 10 years specializing in web development and video production. Shields has produced professional commercials and radio ads that have been run throughout Central Texas. Shields has also managed a roster of over 15+ clients throughout the country while working in a digital marketing role in Austin, TX. Aside from teaching full time at Texas State University, she also runs a digital production business where she works on developing websites, video production and photography with around 20 clients per year. Sara is currently an FAA licensed commercial drone pilot.
Shields has been a speaker at multiple conferences primarily speaking about drones. Shields was also a speaker at SXSW Interactive where she discussed technology and graphic design.
Featured grants
- Dutton, Jessica (Principal), Blasingame, Dale C (Co-Principal), Shields, Sara Michelle (Co-Principal). Mercury exposure through seafood consumption in the Matagorda Bay system: human health study and public education, Matagorda Bay Mitigation Trust, Private / Foundation / Corporate, $474900. (Submitted: October 2023, Funded: June 1, 2024 - May 31, 2027). Grant.
- Dutton, Jessica (Principal), Blasingame, Dale C (Co-Principal), Shields, Sara Michelle (Co-Principal). Relationship between mercury and selenium concentrations in Texas offshore and bay fishes: risk assessment and health education, Texas Sea Grant, State, $190902. (Funded: February 1, 2022 - January 31, 2026). Grant.

Featured scholarly/creative works
- Videographer and Interviewer, Campus Interview with Kelly Damphousse, Texas State University President. October 2023.
- Web Developer, TXST Campus Creators. June 2025 - Present.
- Photographer, Glass Bottom Boat Wedding featuring Kelly Damphousse as Witness. September 2025.
- Shields, S. M. (n.d.). Social Media Video. Journal of Media Education.
- Director, Videographer, Editor, Campus Recreation Tube Redesign with Kelly Damphousse. August 2025.
Featured awards
- Award / Honor Recipient: 2024 Presidential Distinction Award for Teaching, Texas State University. October 2024 - March 2025
- Award / Honor Recipient: Teaching Award of Honor, Texas State University Alumni Association. November 2020
- Award / Honor Recipient: 1st Place - 72 Hour Film Race, San Marcos Cinema Club. May 2020
- Award / Honor Recipient: 2nd Place - 72 Hour Film Race, San Marcos Cinema Club. September 2019
- Award / Honor Recipient: Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, School of Journalism and Mass Communication. May 2017

Featured service activities
- Undergraduate Advisor
TXST Campus Creators
- Other
Creator Studio
- Volunteer
City of San Marcos
- Member
Technology and Facilities
- Volunteer
Annual Great Texas River Clean Up
- Volunteer
Wild Keepers