Presbyterian College history professor combines his love of teaching with a passion for college football
After 27 years of teaching at Presbyterian College, professor of history Dr. Michael Nelson still loves teaching, learning, and connecting with students.
As a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College, a small liberal arts school in southern Minnesota, all Nelson wanted was to continue in an environment like that, but as a teacher.
“I went to college and fell in love with learning,” Nelson said. “Fortunately, this place opened up for a job.”
Finding a Home at PC
Nelson values the community he has found at PC inside and outside the classroom over the past 27 years.
“I love my colleagues and my department,” Nelson said. “I love the freedom I have, the autonomy I have.”
Building relationships with students has become one of Nelson’s favorite parts of the job. Throughout a student’s four years at PC, Nelson enjoys seeing how much they grow. He even connects with students post graduation.
“You can develop some friendships in that regard,” Nelson said.
I try to bring some energy. I try to make an inviting environment.”
Dr. Michael Nelson, Professor of History
Studying the Culture of College Football
Students who have studied under Nelson have most definitely heard him talk about college football, one of his biggest passions. So much so, he and a fellow colleague made it a part of their scholarly work.
Nelson and Dr. Terry Barr, professor of English at PC, recently finished a book together entitled The Religion of SEC Football. It explores how for many football fans, football is a religion. The two colleagues studied how college football can become fans identities. Nelson and Barr’s book will be coming out in the spring.
“What really drew me in as a fan myself was looking at how fans act,” Nelson said.
Nelson found, through his research, that for some fans, college football is more than entertainment.
“There are people who really can’t differentiate between the fact that it’s college sports,” Nelson said. “They really put them in this unhallowed ground.”
Wanting to share his passion with others, Nelson introduced a course on the history of college football. After piloting the course, he plans to introduce it as a regular in the fall.
Teaching with Energy
Even when teaching an 8 a.m. class, Nelson strives to create an inviting environment for his students through excitement and relevancy.
“I try to bring some energy,” Nelson said. “I try to make an inviting environment.”
Nelson wants to show students that learning does not have to be boring by incorporating current events into lectures or cracking one of his best jokes.
Making Clinton Home
Outside of the classroom, Nelson enjoys reading, listening to audiobooks, and, of course, watching college football. However, he has spent years perfecting his home and backyard right here in Clinton.
“I have an awesome backyard. I really do,” Nelson said. “It’s my little oasis in Clinton, S.C.”
The Future of Liberal Arts
Nelson hopes that for years to come, students continue to see how special a liberal arts education is, as he did.
“I just hope that liberal arts remains relevant in our future world,” Nelson said.
To Nelson, a PC education means more than what is learned in the classroom or the degree a graduate receives at commencement. The experiences and relationships are what alumni truly carry with them after graduation.
