Mark Nelson
| Mark Nelson | |
|---|---|
| Title | Director |
| Phone | (612) 625-3595 |
| nels4994@umn.edu | |
| Location | Bierman Field Athletic Building Room 225-P |
| At the MAC since | June 2005 |
| Hometown | Born in Grand Forks, ND and graduated from high school in Bloomington, MN |
| Education | Mark earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Normandale Community College in Bloomington, MN. He later earned a Bachelors Degree in Social Work and a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Bowling Green State University, in Bowling Green, OH. |
| Experience | Prior to coming to the U of M, Mark served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Academics at the University of Colorado at Boulder from 2000-05. During his tenure the school set an all-time record NCAA Graduation Rate for student-athletes, including a 79% graduation rate in the sport of football. From 1995-00, Mark was the Assistant Athletic Director for Academics at Utah State University in Logan, Utah where the NCAA Graduation Rate for student-athletes increased 19% and set an all-time record high the year after his departure. He also served as the Director of Life Skills and taught a Life Skills course for credit, as well as developed a Student-Athlete Mentoring Program. From 1992-95, Mark worked at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio in the Office of Student Life and advised various student groups, taught a freshman experience course for credit, and served as the College Counselor. He was also an assistant track & field coach at Muskingum College and the local high school. Prior to his work at Muskingum College, Mark worked five years as a Counselor in the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center at the Toledo Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. |
| What you should know about Mark | Mark attended Bloomington Jefferson High School where he lettered in football, basketball and track & field. Mark was a captain in football his senior year the starting center on Jefferson’s 1982 State Championship Basketball team. While attending Normandale Community College, Mark was a two-time All-American performer on the football team. Mark transferred to Bowling Green State University and was a two-time All-Conference football player and played on their 1985 undefeated MAC Championship team. Following his college football career, Nelson signed as a free-agent with the Kansas City Chiefs. He is married to the former Jacquie Gierl of Pittsburgh, PA and they currently live in Apple Valley, MN. Mark and Jacquie have three children, Lindsay age 15, Jessica age 13 and Kyle age 8. During his free time Mark enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, hiking and landscaping his yard. |