Fremont native steps into leadership role at Midland

Article By:  Fremont Tribune   |   Stephen Reckerl

After a decade and a half in secondary education, a Fremont native has returned home to take a leadership role at Midland University.

Merritt Nelson was named the university’s vice president of student affairs in July.

Nelson grew up in Fremont and graduated from Fremont High School in 1991. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from ’91 to '96 where he earned his degree in secondary education while playing on two Husker national champion football teams in ’94 and '95.

After graduation Nelson took his first teaching job at Bellevue East before moving to Oakland-Craig, where he taught for 10 years and served as activity director for five years. He earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Wayne State College in 2000.

After 15 years in Oakland, Nelson said it was a tough decision to leave, he said he loves the school and community, but also loves Fremont and knows the value of Midland in the city.

“I have a heart for young men and woman and I have a passion to impact students’ lives and so I just felt like the opportunity at Midland, with the dynamic leadership that is in place, would be a great move not only for myself, but also the opportunities I would have to impact Midland,” said Nelson.

Nelson said he wants to offer his leadership and support to students and programs at Midland by building a community centered campus and promoting more student engagement.

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