Nancy Van Note Chism is professor of higher education in the Indiana University School of Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), where she teaches courses in qualitative research, professional development, and college teaching and learning. Between 1999 and 2006, she was associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and associate dean of the faculties at IUPUI, providing leadership for faculty hiring and advancement functions such as promotion and tenure, awards, and faculty development. Her work in organizational development included administrative development and physical spaces for learning.

Previously, Dr. Chism was director of faculty and TA development at The Ohio State University and an adjunct faculty member in the university's College of Education. She has directed or participated in several major funded projects, sponsored by the Pew Charitable Trusts, Lumina Foundation, National Science Foundation, Lilly Foundation, and Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. She is past president of the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education and is recipient of the Bob Pierleoni Spirit of POD Award.

Dr. Chism is the author of 60 edited books, book chapters, and journal articles on teaching and learning in higher education and developing faculty and teaching assistants as teachers, with particular emphasis on multicultural teaching, instructional technology, learning environments, and program evaluation. She has consulted on more than 50 campuses in the United States and abroad. Dr. Chism received a B.A. in English from Fordham University, an M.A.T. in English and education from Smith College, and a Ph.D. in educational policy and leadership from The Ohio State University.