DEAN SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Johnathan Nelson was named dean of the Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology in July 2020. He also serves as an associate professor of management and has been with MSU since 2011. Nelson earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees at George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree at Utah State University. He has participated in numerous leadership development programs, including the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy (2017), BRIGHT Leadership Kentucky (2019), and Leadership Kentucky (2022).

Nelson’s teaching and research have focused on leadership development, business ethics, and organizational behavior, emphasizing understanding, and promoting effective and ethical leaders’ development. Before joining Morehead State, he worked as a human capital consultant in the Washington, D.C. region.

As dean, Nelson has focused on fostering applied and active learning opportunities for students, creating connections with industry and practice, and growing the career skills of our students. He enjoys being active in his profession and our community, serving as a member of the St. Claire HealthCare Ethics Committee, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Committee for the Advancement of Professional Ethics, and numerous service committees on campus and in our local area.