Retiree Recognition For: Richard Nelson
Title / Dept:
Economics Professor / BCA
How did you get your start at LCC? What do you remember most from your first day/week/month?
I started at LCC in January of 1985. I don't remember much about those early days, but I do know that I was hired to teach two microeconomic principles courses on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in a classroom in Old Central using a chalkboard and an overhead projector. One started at 6pm and the other started at 8pm, and both classes were full! Of course, the internet killed the late-night classes.
Have you held different positions at LCC? How would you describe your career path and the role that LCC played in it?
I began my career as an adjunct professor. Then I was hired as a full-time assistant professor in 1987. I became a professor some time later, and then the Program Faculty Chair after that.
What's your favorite memory from your time at LCC? Who are the people who made working here great?
There is no one favorite memory. I always enjoyed helping students get to their classrooms on the first day of class. Watching my grandson, Cole Krause, play for the LCC men's basketball team has been a more recent fond memory.
I could not have had any success without help from countless people. Of course, all my colleagues in the Economics Program. I am proud to have had a hand in hiring all of them at LCC. The Program is in good hands. I'm going to miss them, and the rest of the faculty in the School of Business, very much.
The support staff I have had the pleasure to work with have been incredible, from Angie and Darlene and Roxanne to Ashleigh and Amy and Torie and Matt and others too numerous to mention.
I couldn't have succeeded as an instructor to the extent that I did without help and guidance of multiple administrators. Thanks to them for putting up with my shenanigans.
What were your greatest accomplishments or successes while working at LCC?
In 1997 LCC decided to offer a completely online Business degree. We were one of the first colleges to do that. I was asked to prepare an online Principles of Economics course to be included as a part of the degree, which I did. I still use the files I created then for my current online courses. I was able to help many thousands of students achieve their dream of a college degree.
What are you looking forward to in your retirement? What plans are you most excited for?
Not having to log onto D2L every day.
Is there any additional information that you would like to share related to your time at LCC?
I am fortunate to have worked under the leadership of every LCC president, from Dr. Gannon to Dr. Robinson. There are not many left who can say that.
