Alumni Profile:
Dr. C. Jerry Nelson

Associate of Arts Degree - Austin Junior College 1959
Bachelor of Science Degree - University of Minnesota 1961
Masters of Science Degree - University of Minnesota 1963
Doctorate of Science Degree - University of Wisconsin 1966

A Riverland alum, Dr. Nelson was awarded the distinguished Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture by the College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences at the U of M on November 8, 2004. The Siehl Prize awards noteworthy contributions to the production of food and alleviation of hunger.

Dr. Nelson is currently a Distinguished Professor of Agronomy at the University of Missouri where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses. He has mentored more than 50 graduate students and visiting scientists, published more than 200 research papers, co-authored five books, and received several awards for teaching and research.

He has served as president of the Crop Science Society of America and the American Society of Agronomy. In addition, he helped develop and was elected the first president of the International Crop Science Society.