By Julia Hall
Division of Communications and Marketing
MANHATTAN — Kansas State University will award an honorary doctorate to M. Duane Nellis, an internationally recognized scholar and national higher education leader who committed 17 years of his nearly four-decade career in higher education to K-State.
Nellis began his career at K-State as an assistant professor of geography and worked his way up to professor, department head and senior associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Nellis served as K-State's provost and senior vice president from 2004-2009."We are proud to honor Dr. Nellis, whose leadership at K-State continues to inspire future generations," said Claudia Petrescu, vice provost of graduate education and dean of the Graduate School.
As K-State's provost, Nellis was known for enhancing the learning environment for students. He helped develop the universitywide honors program and enhanced university entrepreneurism, and his efforts led to the creation of a Commercialization Leadership Council, a Center for Engagement and Community Development and a Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship."Dr. Nellis impacted our college and university through his steadfast support of faculty and students, and he has remained committed to higher education, transformative research, and service to university and professional communities," said Chris Culbertson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
The Kansas Board of Regents approved K-State's request to honor Nellis with an honorary doctorate in March after nominations by two previous colleagues from the department of geography and geospatial sciences, Chuck Martin and Shawn Hutchinson. Nellis will be awarded this honorary doctorate during the spring 2025 Graduate School commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Bramlage Coliseum.
Nellis is currently president emeritus and a trustee professor at Ohio University. As president, he guided Ohio University toward strategic pathways designed to elevate access and inclusion, student success and transformation, research and knowledge discovery in support of vibrant communities, and a sustainable academic enterprise.