Dr. Nicole Breazeale is an Associate Professor of Community Development at the University of Kentucky with a joint appointment in teaching and Cooperative Extension. Her work blends instruction, research, and engagement, with a focus on strengthening local food systems and using storytelling-based methods to support community development. She regularly trains others in tools such as story circles, digital storytelling, leadership storytelling, organizational storytelling, and Ripple Effects Mapping. Nicole teaches in the Community and Leadership Development program and has led several statewide grant-funded projects, including initiatives focused on youth education, food access, and recovery support. She maintains long-standing partnerships with community organizations and mentors students at all levels. A Fulbright fellow and nationally recognized educator, she is also the proud mother of three boys and an avid fly fisher and gardener.
Scholars@UK
The New American Farmer – Extension Engagement with Urban Agriculture and Food Systems
Crider, M. S., Vick, K. C., Young, J. A., Breazeale, N. C. D., Jones, K. R. & ziMMerMan, J. N., 2025, In: Journal of Extension. 63, 1, 20.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
The centrality of storytelling at the nexus of academia and community organizing in rural Kentucky
Breazeale, N., Beasley-Brown, D., Johnson, S. & Hatcher, A., Jan 1 2022, Handbook on Participatory Action Research and Community Development. p. 139-158 20 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Process Evaluation of the Early Implementation Stages of the National Diabetes Prevention Program through Kentucky Cooperative Extension: Perceptions of Adopters and Potential Adopters
Breazeale, N., Norman-Burgdolf, H., Counts, K. & Williams, L., 2021, In: Journal of Human Sciences & Extension. 9, 3Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
The impact of pressure groups on inter-firm competition in the cigarette-manufacturing sector: A global value chain approach
Breazeale, N. D., Aug 1 2016, In: Competition and Change. 20, 4, p. 275-292 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Understanding the impact of culture in entrepreneurship
Breazeale, N. D. & Hustedde, R. J., Jan 1 2017, Toward Entrepreneurial Community Development: Leaping Cultural and Leadership Boundaries. p. 104-125 22 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Constructing a multi-dimensional measure of local entrepreneurial culture
Breazeale, N., Fortunato, M. W. P., Allen, J. E., Hustedde, R. J. & Pushkarskaya, H., Oct 20 2015, In: Community Development. 46, 5, p. 516-540 25 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Enhancing measures of ESE to incorporate aspects of place: Personal reputation and place-based social legitimacy
Pushkarskaya, H., Fortunato, M. W. P., Breazeale, N. & Just, D. R., May 2021, In: Journal of Business Venturing. 36, 3, 106004.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Building A Field Of Diverse Nutrition Investigators: A Ripple Effect Mapping Of The Healthy Eating Research Early Stage Investigator Work Group
Luecking, C. (PI) & Breazeale, N. (CoI)
4/1/24 → 3/31/25
Project: Research project
Learning about Equity & Inclusion in the Food System Through a Storytelling Curriculum and Training for 4H Agents & Middle School Agriculture Teachers
Breazeale, N. (PI)
7/1/21 → 6/30/24
Project: Research project
Strengthening Plant Production Though an Interdisciplinary Food Systems Graduate Training Program
Jacobsen, K. (PI), Barr-Porter, M. (CoI), Breazeale, N. (CoI), Brislen, L. (CoI), Gonthier, D. (CoI) & Kusunose, Y. (CoI)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
1/15/21 → 1/14/26
Project: Research project
Associated Departments