Nelson, J. Raleigh (Joseph Raleigh)

Professor of Engineering English at University of Michigan, counselor to foreign students and founder of the International Center of the University.

J. Raleigh Nelson was born in Bement, Illinois on May 8, 1873. He later moved with his family to Ann Arbor, Michigan. He received his B.A. degree in 1894 from the University of Michigan and then moved to Chicago where he taught English and Latin for six years at John Marshall High School and for eight years at the Lewis Institute. In the meantime, he had received his M.A. degree in 1903 from the University of Michigan.

In 1908, Nelson returned to the U-M in 1908 to assist in an experimental program in the teaching of English to engineering students. He eventually became chairman of the Department of English in the College of Engineering and adviser to foreign engineering students.

In 1933, Nelson was appointed university counselor to foreign students. This led in 1938 to the founding of the International Center where he was director until his retirement in 1943.

In addition to his university responsibilities, Nelson was author of a volume of poetry, Lady Unafraid, a biography of his mother Rebecca Jewel Francis Nelson, as well as professional writings.

Throughout his career, Nelson was also involved in various community organizations, including the Starr Commonwealth for Boys and the Ann Arbor Community Fund. He died January 1, 1961.