Nielson, James Melvin, 1921-

Professor of Agricultural Economics and Director, Agricultural Research Center, Washington State University.

James Melvin Nielson was born in 1921 in Kansas. He received his B.S. from Kansas State University in 1947, and continued his education at Harvard, earning an M.A. in 1951 and a Ph.D. in 1953. After fourteen years on the faculty at Michigan State University, Nielson accepted a position at W.S.U. in 1965.

During his career at W.S.U., Dr. Nielson was professor of agricultural economics and director of agricultural research. In addition he actively participated in various professional and industry associations and served as president of the Western Farm Economics Association (1968-1969).

In 1977 Dr. Nielson resigned from W.S.U. upon receiving appointment as U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Conservation Research and Education for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.