Wendy Nelson, coordinator of the African American Initiative, is retiring Tuesday, Aug. 1.

Nelson first came to campus as an undergraduate physical education major and student-athlete running for the women’s track team. During this time, Nelson also joined the Army ROTC program, becoming the first African American female Army ROTC cadet to obtain a commission as a second lieutenant from the program. After graduating in 1993, Nelson came back to campus to work for the TRiO Educational Talent Search Program while at the same time earning her masters in rehabilitation counseling.

In 2017, the Department of Outreach and Special Programs hired Nelson as the coordinator of the African American Initiative, making her the only full-time African American initiatives coordinator in the entire CSU system. As an alumna and staff, Nelson has seen the campus’ development through new buildings being built, such as the Save Mart Center, and new leadership, as she has been through three presidents.

Most importantly, Nelson’s proudest achievement is the work she does for the students on campus.

“To support the African American initiative is something that I feel most proud of and it's my legacy,” she said.

Nelson has served campus for 20 years by supporting students toward success. After retirement, she plans on moving out of state and working for the Veterans Administration using her degree in rehabilitation counseling to serve her fellow veterans.