Associate vice chancellor for science begins in January
One of three associate vice chancellors, Melanie Nelson, starts her new position in January 2011.
Nelson, mathematics department head and faculty member, has been teaching at CEU for 21 years. She started teaching at CEU in the fall of 1989 after teaching at Carbon High school seven years.
She has always taught math; everything from fundamentals of mathematics and beginning algebra to trigonometry and calculus. It seems like if it has anything to do with math, Nelson will probably have the answer.
This archived article was written by: Tadd Mecham
One of three associate vice chancellors, Melanie Nelson, starts her new position in January 2011.
Nelson, mathematics department head and faculty member, has been teaching at CEU for 21 years. She started teaching at CEU in the fall of 1989 after teaching at Carbon High school seven years.
She has always taught math; everything from fundamentals of mathematics and beginning algebra to trigonometry and calculus. It seems like if it has anything to do with math, Nelson will probably have the answer.
Nelson was chosen to be the associate vice chancellor for science recently. This new position means that she will be taking on a new part-administrative, part-teaching assignment taking effect in January.
Nelson said she was honored to be offered the position and is excited for this new opportunity.
To obtain the role of associate vice chancellor for science, Nelson was nominated by fellow faculty members plus the experience she has from being the mathematics department head prepared her for the position.
When asked what the hardest part of her job is, Nelson said that grading in a reasonable time period is always hard. Getting papers back to students in a timely manner is difficult when the classes are large.
Her favorite part of her job is, “Seeing my students achieve their goals. It is exciting for me to see students complete their degrees and become successful in their careers.” So to Nelson, the success of her students is important to her.
In her free time, away from the campus, Nelson enjoys a variety of different activities including reading. Some of her favorite authors include James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell.
She also enjoys physical activities such as mountain biking, cross-country skiing and just working out in the gym. She also enjoys to cook and bake and is always trying out new recipes.
In a closing, Nelson was asked if she had anything she would like to say to the students of USU-CEU. “You are a great group of young adults! The majority of students I’ve had the privilege to teach are goal-oriented, motivated and polite.” Nelson said, “My non-traditional students work hard to get back into the swing of school and to succeed. At the USU-CEU campus I see a wide range of talent and interests.
“Students please keep in touch with me and let me know what I can do to help you reach your academic goals.”
Nelson cares about her students and wants them to succeed in their goals and, eventually, in their careers.
