Awards bestowed on retiring Nelson

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC President Timothy J. Nelson has been honored with a host of awards for his leadership and accomplishments during his tenure. Nelson, who will retire Dec. 31, 2019, after 19 years as president has recently received the following:

  • Central Regional CEO Award, Association of Community College Trustees, to be presented at the ACCT Leadership Congress in San Francisco in October. As the regional recipient, Nelson is also a nominee for the national Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award.
  • The Alliance for Innovation & Transformation (AFIT) Legacy Award, honoring an individual who has made exceptional and long-lasting contributions to AFIT and his or her organization, and has been a leading exemplar of transformative leadership in higher education nationwide. The recipient's legacy is one that is not only extraordinary, but is rarely found. Only three Legacy awards have been granted by AFIT since the award was established in 2010.
  • Michigan Community College Association legislative leadership — Nelson has held many roles within the organization representing all 28 Michigan colleges. He was recognized this summer for his longest-serving role, eight years as chair of the MCCA legislative committee, since 2011. Under Nelson’s leadership of the committee, the Michigan Legislature approved community college baccalaureate degrees, a signature achievement.
  • National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award — Presented in May, the award recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state, or regional level and whose efforts have made a positive impact in the community. Nelson has been an Eagle Scout since 1968.

In his nearly two decades as president, Nelson has guided NMC through a transition from the traditional time-based, place-based and knowledge transfer system to a community college that is focused on competency based, content based knowledge application in pursuit of social, economic and talent development.

In addition to MCCA, his visionary leadership is sought at the local, state and national levels. He has served on many boards and associations, including four gubernatorial appointments by two different Michigan governors.

He and his wife, Nancy Johnson, plan to remain in Traverse City upon retirement.

Release date: Sept. 5, 2019

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

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