Dr. Duane Nellis, President Emeritus and climate change professor, reflects on career

Photo via OHIO Today

At the end of last semester, Dr. Duane Nellis announced his retirement to the final class he would teach as the final exam was being distributed. He thanked the class, who thanked him in return. In addition to teaching students about climate change as a professor, Nellis served as the Ohio University President from 2017-21.

Nellis’ passion for the environment was sparked as an undergraduate student studying Geological and Earth Sciences. He was inspired by some of his professors, and the U.S. was beginning to implement major environmental policy at that time. 

“I saw firsthand the impact of weather and climate in the western United States where areas were impacted by limited water supplies and major forest fires,” Nellis said.

As his education progressed, Nellis completed his Ph.D. with the goal of being a professor. However, his career quickly advanced to administrative positions, which he credits to the encouragement and support of his colleagues. Throughout his time in academia, Nellis was an academic department head, dean, provost and, finally, president at three separate universities. 

In 2017, Nellis was invited to Ohio U to interview for the position of university president. After visiting the campus and getting to know the community, he was happy to accept the position when it was offered. “The setting, too, of the university in the foothills of Appalachia and the beauty of the campus were extra bonuses as well,” he shared.  

Throughout his career, Nellis aimed to work toward positive change and making a difference in the university communities. “Working at a university with a constant opportunity to engage in new ideas and discovery is very exciting,” he added. 

Nellis was also the president of Ohio U when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. He stated that “there were many dimensions of addressing COVID while keeping the University moving forward that were challenging.”

However, when asked what he was most proud of as he reflected on his career, Nellis shared that during his presidency, the OHIO Honors Program and the first Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion were established. Other successes he discussed included improving university engagement and enhancing the university’s research profile. He also oversaw the first update to the university general education curriculum in years. 

“While president, I always enjoyed the special moments with students and being able to celebrate their successes,” Nellis stated.

Reflecting on his time as a professor following the presidency, Nellis shared, “I am so proud to have had the opportunity to mentor students and see them complete their university degrees and go out to make a positive difference in our society.”

Nellis dedicated nearly 30 years to higher education, and throughout his career, he was motivated by students. To him, the most rewarding part of his career was getting to watch the growth, enrichment and success of students. It was also fulfilling to educate the next generation “about key environmental issues and help them grow in their understanding of our complex world,” he shared. 

In the future, Nellis hopes to see climate change addressed as a priority at all levels: the university, local, state, federal and global communities. Potential approaches to combat climate change can range from local action to federal legislation and beyond, but to genuinely make the world a safer, healthier place, it seems like any and all action means something.

As he enters retirement, Nellis is looking forward to traveling and exploring the world with his wife, as well as spending more time with his family and two granddaughters. 

When asked for parting thoughts or advice, Nellis said: “Every individual can make a positive difference; change starts with one voice becoming many voices. And remain committed to life-long learning and discovery.”