Merritt Nelson
VP Student Affairs Midland University

​Merritt Nelson is a native of Fremont, Nebraska and graduated from Fremont Senior High School in 1991. After a successful academic and athletic high school career, Merritt went on to play football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. During Merritt's time at Nebraska, the Cornhuskers won 5 Conference Championships (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995) and 2 National Championships (1994, 1995). Merritt graduated with an education degree and began his teaching career at Bellevue East High School in Bellevue, NE in 1996 teaching mathematics and coaching football, basketball and track. Following his time in Bellevue, Merritt spent 15 years as a teacher, coach and Activities Director at Oakland-Craig High School in Oakland, NE. Merritt went on to earn his Master’s Degree in PK-12 Educational Administration and Leadership as well as several other endorsements and certificates.  In 2013, Midland University named Merritt as Vice President for Student Affairs. With more than a decade of experience in educational leadership he arrived at Midland with a diverse background of leadership, administration and education.  Merritt currently leads a student body of 1400 and oversees Residential Life, Student Life, Greek Life, Campus Ministries, Campus Safety and Security, Campus Mental and Student Health, Intramurals, Club Sports as well as a variety of other student services. 

​Merritt has been married to his lovely wife Dannika for 22 years and has four children Dacey (16), Caden (14), Chaney (12), and Sadie (12).
 
United States Senator Ben Sasse said, “Merritt has inspired students via a wide range of positions throughout his career.” Merritt is passionate about helping students experience a life full of joy and success and encourages them to consider the life they want to have years down the road when making decisions. When speaking to his student body Merritt said, “Every decision you make either brings you closer to attaining the life you desire, or pushes you further and further away from it.  What happens in college, doesn’t stay in college.  It walks with you right across that graduation stage and follows you out the door.” Merritt is a devoted follower of Christ and is passionate about bringing the Good News of the Gospel to others.    

​Follow me on Twitter : @MerrittNelson   Instagram : @MerrittNelson