Nellis, former K-State geographer and provost, to be recognized with honorary degree

By Julia Hall

Graduate School

M. Duane Nellis

Kansas State University will award an honorary doctorate to M. Duane Nellis, an internationally recognized scholar and national higher education leader who committed 17 years of his nearly four-decade career in higher education to K-State.

Nellis began his career at K-State as an assistant professor of geography and worked his way up to professor, department head and senior associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Nellis served as K-State's provost and senior vice president from 2004-2009.

"We are proud to honor Dr. Nellis, whose leadership at K-State continues to inspire future generations," said Claudia Petrescu, vice provost of graduate education and dean of the Graduate School.

As K-State's provost, Nellis was known for enhancing the learning environment for students. He helped develop the universitywide honors program and enhanced university entrepreneurism, and his efforts led to the creation of a Commercialization Leadership Council, a Center for Engagement and Community Development and a Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship.

"Dr. Nellis impacted our college and university through his steadfast support of faculty and students, and he has remained committed to higher education, transformative research, and service to university and professional communities," said Chris Culbertson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Kansas Board of Regents approved K-State's request to honor Nellis with an honorary doctorate in March after nominations by two previous colleagues from the department of geography and geospatial sciences, Chuck Martin and Shawn Hutchinson.

Nellis will be awarded this honorary doctorate during the spring 2025 Graduate School commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Bramlage Coliseum.

"Dr. Nellis set a high bar for graduate research," Hutchinson said. "When I was a new graduate student, he challenged me to grow every day. His leadership exemplifies how professors create impactful programs, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and build research facilities that equip students for success. Dr. Nellis' career path and priorities have both upheld K-State’s historical values and advanced our more contemporary ideas for how to become a next-generation land-grant university."

Martin said a common thread throughout Nellis' time at K-State was his unwavering support of the faculty.

"Duane has always been a faculty-centered administrator. He was tireless in providing support to junior faculty to pursue extramural funding, supporting inter-disciplinary research and enhancing start-up packages for new faculty hires," Martin said. "In short, he made the department of geography a program in which young faculty could thrive."

Nellis is currently president emeritus and a trustee professor at Ohio University. As president, he guided Ohio University toward strategic pathways designed to elevate access and inclusion, student success and transformation, research and knowledge discovery in support of vibrant communities, and a sustainable academic enterprise.

He also elevated the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, strengthening partnerships with the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio Health and the Kettering Foundation. Past roles include president of Texas Tech University and the University of Idaho and dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University.

"I have run into Duane periodically at the American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting, and he never fails to ask about the department where he began his academic career and the people he knew from his time here," said Martin. "He's never forgotten the faculty and staff he knew from that time and has taken a genuine interest in what they are doing professionally and personally."

Nellis is recognized nationally and internationally for his research that utilizes satellite data and geographic information systems to analyze various dimensions of the Earth's land surface. This research has been funded by more than 50 sources, such as NASA, the National Geographic Society, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

His research has led to more than 160 articles and reports in a wide range of professional journals and more than 20 books and book chapters. Nellis is a fellow of the prestigious American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Explorers Club in New York City and the American Association of Geographers.

Most recently, Nellis served as a member of the executive committee of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities Commission on Economic and Community Engagement. He earned a bachelor’s degree in earth sciences/geography at Montana State University and master’s and doctoral degrees in geography from Oregon State University. Both universities have recognized Nellis as a distinguished alumnus.

"It is an honor to tell people that Duane was a professor in the department of geography and geospatial sciences at K-State," said interim department head Marcellus Caldas. "Duane is an incredible leader who has shaped the future of many organizations."

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