Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 13, 1995 TAG: 9505150028
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV7 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
Nelson was a former state Department of Education representative working with a beginning teacher program serving 19 Southwest Virginia counties.
She is a professor emeritus of Radford University, where she worked in teacher education. Before that, she taught in Pulaski County for eight years, served as reading instructor for all grade levels from 1966 to 1969, and as the school system's supervisor for elementary education from 1969 to 1974.
She holds a bachelor's degree from Radford, a master's from Virginia Tech, and a doctorate of education in administration and supervision from the University of Virginia. She has also served on and been chairwoman of the state Advisory Committee for Certification.
"Working at the local level is becoming increasingly important, as they're doing less at the state and national levels," she said of school funding. "I'm not under any illusion that it's an easy job."
She said she has asked not to be reappointed to some of the state committees on which she still serves, so she can have time to devote to county school matters. She is also on the board of directors for the Fine Arts Center of the New River Valley, Radford University Alumni Association Executive Committee, and University of Virginia Educational Foundation.
Nelson grew up in Nebraska, and found her way to the New River Valley by marriage. "I married a Virginian. They don't transplant very well," she said.
She and her husband have two daughters who went to school in Pulaski County, and a grandson attending Riverlawn Elementary School.
by CNB