Dr. Justin Nelson
I recommend Justin Nelson for the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. He has made an exceptional and incredible contribution as a teacher during his three years at Campbell University.
Dr. Justin Nelson is well known as an excellent teacher. His creative teaching style has endeared him to not only his colleagues but also the students that he teaches. He is a thoughtful and reflective teacher. For example, the pandemic led him to completely change the Social Problems final paper after discussion with students and allowed them to apply what they had learned about social problems to what we were all going through having been sent home to isolate.
Dr. Nelson combines community-based curriculum with student-centered assignments that makes his teaching style innovative and relevant in today’s classroom. During his time at Campbell, he has worked to create a minor in Sociology as well as several new courses focusing on rural leadership.
Dr. Nelson has collaborated with community groups to create engaged learning experiences:
- Speakers and data-driven assignments in Exploring Underserved Communities course throughout the semester that allow students to build their final
- Pre-COVID trips to local schools in Sociology of Education to explore the culture of the school and implications for
- Established partnership with Harnett County Schools for place-based education and mentoring program in Engaging Underserved Communities course (to begin fall 2021).
Dr. Nelson received his Ph.D. in Sociology and his M.A. in Sociology from Baylor University. Dr. Nelson also has a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Education and Social Studies from the University of Nevada as well as B.S. in Secondary Social Studies from the University of North Dakota. Justin and his wife Rachel live in Fuquay-Varina.
Alfred Bryant
Dean
Campbell University School of Education