Bonnie Nelson

Bonnie Nelson was an Associate Professor Emerita in the Department of English at Kansas State University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. She held a Ph.D. in English from Pennsylvania State University (1981) and B.A./M.A.T. from the City University of New York. Her research focused on 18th-century British literature, particularly women's contributions to drama and novels, and she published in journals like Women's Writing and Theatre Survey. She served as Director of Technical Writing (1989-1993) and Director of Women’s Studies (1996-1999), championing gender equity initiatives. A dedicated educator, she received multiple teaching awards for her mentorship and pedagogical innovation.

Her administrative leadership included roles on the President’s Commission on the Status of Women and chairing the Faculty Women’s Caucus. The Bonnie Nelson Leadership Award was established in her honor to recognize advocates for women’s advancement. She retired in 2016 after 33 years of service and passed away in 2019.