Betty Nelson: Leaving a Legacy
by Anna Szolwinski Betty Nelson knows how to go out in style. In 1995, Betty retired from Purdue with a celebration titled “Betty’s Blast-Off, Celebrating Dean Nelson’s Past, Present, and Future.” (1) Guests were invited to the social with invitations depicting ice cream cones and the words “Here’s the Scoop!” Betty’s “fan club members,” of which there were many, lined up to give their best wishes for the retiring… Read More
Betty Nelson: A Tireless Advocate
by Anna Szolwinski In the mid 1960s, Betty Nelson came to Purdue in search of employment. After an incidental connection with Barbara Cook, the former Dean of Students, and several recurring visits after, Betty was hired as the Director of Testing for the psychology department. This role was the first of many for Betty, as she later transitioned into the Office of the Dean of Women as Assistant and Associate… Read More
Betty Nelson: Sleuthing in Bluefield
by Anna Szolwinski Dean Betty Nelson has come to be one of the most highly respected figures in Purdue history. Known for being an “iron fist in a velvet glove,” Betty pioneered the fight for the disabled and contributed to the revolution for women’s rights during her time at Purdue. Female students such as Teresa Roche and Jane Hamblin revere Betty for her commitment to furthering the status of women… Read More