Carolyn Nelson named Interim Provost, VP of Academic Affairs
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Carolyn Nelson
- August 12, 2015
Carolyn Nelson, dean of ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥, East Bay’s College of Education and Allied Studies (CEAS), has been named interim provost and vice president of academic affairs for the university effective August 22.
Nelson has led CEAS since 2009, overseeing a college that is home to more than 70 faculty members in fields of study that include Educational Leadership; Educational Psychology; Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism; Kinesiology; and Teacher Education. Students in the college have the opportunity to obtain credentials, licenses and certificates, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees. CEAS also offers a doctorate in Educational Leadership.
“I am delighted that Dr. Nelson will be joining ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥’s leadership team at this important time in the university’s history,” said CSUEB President Leroy M. Morishita. “Dr. Nelson brings to this crucial position a long list of accomplishments as an educator and as an educational leader.
“From her role as dean of CEAS, to principal investigator on the highly successful Hayward Promise Neighborhood effort, and as an advocate for high-quality science education in public schools, Dr. Nelson has made a remarkable impact during her career here,” Morishita added. “The hallmarks of her leadership include a keen ability to forge lasting partnerships; the building of collaborative and productive teams; and the capacity to work effectively within the shared governance model.”
Nelson also served as the principal investigator for the Hayward Promise Neighborhood Initiative — a five-year, $25 million federal grant awarded to CSU East Bay and one of only five such inaugural projects in the country. The mission of the highly successful neighborhood revitalization project is that all children and youth living in a “Promise Neighborhood” will have “access to great schools and strong systems of family and community support.”
Previously, Nelson served in a wide variety of academic, administrative, and leadership roles during her 19-years at San Jose State University (SJSU). Since her appointment as dean at ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥, she has led CEAS into full state and national accreditation, and working with faculty, doubled the number of students in the doctoral program, and created a strategic plan for the college.
Nelson received her bachelor of science degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, with an emphasis in science education. She received her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a doctorate in organization and leadership – both from the University of San Francisco.
Nelson succeeds Dr. James J. L. Houpis, who had served as ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥’s provost since 2010.