Ivory V. Nelson facts for kids

Ivory V. Nelson (born June 11, 1934) is an American chemist, educator, and leader. He served as president of Central Washington University from 1992 to 1999. Later, he led Lincoln University of Pennsylvania as president from 1999 to 2011.

Early Life and Learning Journey

Ivory V. Nelson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. After finishing Booker T. Washington High School in 1951, he joined the United States Air Force for three years.

He then attended Grambling State University, graduating in 1959. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and education. He was the first person from Grambling to earn a PhD. In 1963, he received his PhD in analytical chemistry from the University of Kansas. He was also the first African American to earn a PhD in chemistry from that university.

After his studies, he became a chemistry professor at Prairie View A&M University. This is a historically Black university in Prairie View, Texas.

Building a Career in Education

Dr. Nelson received a special award called a Fulbright Lectureship. He held many important roles at Prairie View A&M University. These included department chair and vice president for research. For nine months in 1982, he even served as the university's acting president.

In 1983, he moved to the Texas A&M University System. There, he worked as an executive assistant to the chancellor. From 1986 to 1992, he made history again. He became the first African American to lead the Alamo Community College District in San Antonio, Texas.

Leading Universities

Central Washington University

Dr. Nelson became president of Central Washington University in 1992. He was the first African American to hold this position at the university. He retired from this role in February 1999.

Lincoln University's Transformation

On August 15, 1999, Dr. Nelson became the twelfth president of Lincoln University. This university is in Oxford, Pennsylvania. He worked hard to improve this historically Black university, which was facing challenges.

During his time as president, Lincoln University saw many positive changes. Student enrollment increased significantly. The university also paid off a $15 million debt. They also stopped having operating deficits, meaning they managed their money better.

Dr. Nelson helped secure $325 million in funding. This money was used to build and renovate campus buildings. In 2009, the Ivory V. Nelson Science Center opened on campus. This building was named in his honor. It houses departments like mathematics, computer science, biology, chemistry, and physics. He retired from Lincoln University in November 2011.

Still Making a Difference

In 2017, Dr. Nelson came out of retirement. He served as the interim provost of Jackson State University.