Professor Emeritus William Edward Nelson, Jr. passed away on May 16, 2013. He was professor in both the Department of Political Science and the Department of African American and African Studies, where he served as chair from 1972 to 1986. He officially retired from Ohio State in 2009 after 40 years of distinguished service at the university.

A public tribute and memorial service for Nelson will be held on Saturday, May 25, 1-2:30 pm at the Ohio Union in the Archie M. Griffin East Ballroom, 1739 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio. Doors open at noon.

Recognized as one of the pioneers for the establishment of the discipline of African American and African studies in the United States, Nelson was instrumental in the creation of Ohio State’s Department of African American and African Studies. He is also credited with opening the department’s American and African Studies Community Extension Center to enhance community access to the university and its resources. Nelson worked tirelessly to support and mentor African American doctoral students in the discipline of political science, resulting in the department becoming one of the leading producers of African American PhDs.

Nelson served as president of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists, president of the African Heritage Studies Association, and chair of the National Council for Black Studies and vice president of the American Political Science Association.