Catherine Nelson

Catherine Nelson is Professor of Spanish and Chair of the Department of Modern Languages at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she has been a dedicated faculty member since 1997. She also serves as Coordinator for National and International Prestige Scholarships, supporting high-achieving students in competitive fellowship applications.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Modern Languages and Literatures, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 2000
• M.A. in Spanish Culture and Civilization, New York University (Madrid), 1994
• B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies, Texas Christian University, 1993 (Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa)

Her research and teaching focus on Spanish literature, culture, and language acquisition, with interdisciplinary explorations in literary translation, identity formation, and cultural narratives. She has led innovative projects on topics such as the Camino de Santiago, Nicaraguan Sign Language, food insecurity, and reconciliation in post-conflict societies. Her scholarly approach emphasizes experiential learning, student collaboration, and international engagement.

While no formal list of publications is provided, her academic work spans literary analysis, cultural studies, and applied linguistics, often integrating field-based research with humanistic inquiry. Her sustained engagement with student-faculty research and study abroad programs underscores her commitment to integrative education.

Dr. Nelson has received support from the Archway Seminar and the Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Fund, enabling deep mentorship and interdisciplinary scholarship. She has advised numerous students on prestigious national scholarships and led international study trips, reinforcing her role as a transformative educator.

She is actively involved in academic leadership and student development, contributing to a vibrant intellectual community at Nebraska Wesleyan University.