Donovan Nelson, EdD

"No written word nor spoken plea can teach the child what they should be. Nor all the books on all the shelves. It's what the teachers are themselves." -Rudyard Kipling

• Teaching & Education

  EdD – University of Arkansas, Recreation & Sport Management
  MEd – Wichita State University, Sport Administration
  BA – Graceland University, Health & Physical Education

• Professional Experience

  2022 – Present – Chair, Department of Sport Management, North Greenville University
  2018 – 2022 – Sport Management Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor, Graceland University (IA)
  2007 – 2018 – Sport Management Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor, Evangel University (MO)

• Selected Publications

  Nelson, D. J., Dittmore, S. W., & Stokowski, S. (2020). An analysis of scholarship distribution by NCAA Division I softball coaches. Journal of Student-Athlete Educational Success and Development (2).

  Comfort, P.G., Stoldt, G.C., & Nelson, D.J. (2003). Improving player and team performance. KAHPERD Journal, 74 (2), 29 – 34.

  Comfort, P.G., Stoldt, G.C., & Nelson, D.J. (2003). The coach as an ethical leader. KAHPERD Journal, 74 (2), 21 – 25.

• Selected Awards Received

  Faculty Award for Exceptional Service, Graceland University, 2021-2022

  Alumni Excellence in Teaching Award Nominee, Graceland University
  2021 – 2022
  2020 – 2021

  John Hansan Fellowship, Wichita State University, 2001 – 2002

• My Network

  My personal and professional network is extensive. Former students currently working in the sport industry include:

  Natalie Nedd – Parks & Recreation (GA)
  Riley Stevenson – Waterloo Bucks (IA)
  Caitlyn Stupak – Graceland University (IA)
  Ian Keiderling – Grand View University (IA)
  Jordan Lester – William Penn University (IA)
  Kayla Watanabe – Memphis Redbirds (TN)
  Justin Binnicker – Kansas City Royals (MO)
  Spencer Robinson – Central Methodist University (MO)
  Michelle Looney – Missouri State High School Activities Association
  Bridget Wyatt – Cricket Australia
  Carter Wiley – National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (MO)
  Mairead Cleary – Metro South Tennis (AUS)
  Charlsey Seidel – Springfield Cardinals (MO)
  Sergio Oviedo – HyVee Arena (MO)
  Guillermo Laguna – Iowa Western C.C.
  Harrison Stevens – Emmanuel College (GA)
  Drew Patton – New Life Trumbull (CT)
  Levi Leonce – Sub Sea Systems (CA)
  Travis Joy – Springfield Cardinals (MO)
  Caleb Weeks – Iowa Cubs
  Austin O’Regan – Parkonect (MO)
  Edward Sands – Boys & Girls Club (MO)
  Alex Weikel – Miami University (OH)
  Jake Stronach – Verbero Hockey (TN)
  Julie Krisch – Diventures (MO)

• My Story

  I am beginning my time at North Greenville University. I have taught previously in Iowa and Missouri. Moving my family to the upstate is an adventure we are excited to be on.

  I have experience in intercollegiate athletics coaching and administration, secondary athletic administration, campus recreation, and professional baseball, and work to ensure my students understand how to find their best fit in whatever industry they feel called to.

  My wife and I have four children and a dog and look forward to being part of the NGU community.

• Related Links

  www.teamworkonline.com
  www.bluefishjobs.com
  https://ncaamarket.ncaa.org
  https://www.naia.org/careers/naia-career-center
  www.workinsports.com