About Charlie Nelms
Charlie Nelms, a native of the Arkansas Delta, has devoted his life to equalizing opportunities for disenfranchised peoples. He is currently a senior scholar at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and a senior consultant for the Association of Governing Boards, specializing in HBCU governance and leadership, as well as retired Chancellor, North Carolina Central University, and IU Vice President for Institutional Development and Student Affairs Emeritus. In 2019, Charlie was awarded an honorary doctorate from Indiana University. Proceeds from his book From Cotton Fields to University Leadership: All Eyes on Charlie, A Memoir will help fund scholarships to historically Black colleges and universities across the nation.
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“Vote, or lose your right to complain about the world’s circumstances.”
Hold Fast to Dreams: Parting Words from Dr. Charlie Nelms
Paying it forward: IU’s longstanding connection to an organization rooted in diversity, leadership
Celebrating Black History: Now is the Time for Courageous Conversations and Bold Action
Choosing an Executive Leadership Coach: What Matters
Please Get Vaccinated! – December 12,2022
Bring It On! – November 7, 2022: Vote in the 2022 Mid-term Elections with Dr. Charlie Nelms
Five Reasons Why I Vote, and You Should Too
From Cotton Fields to University Leadership: All Eyes on Charlie
Ten Strategies for a Successful Presidential Transition & Presidency
When Prior Presidents Stick Around Campus
From the Margins to the Center: The Legacy of Dr. William E. Cox
Why I am Optimistic about the Future of HBCUs
Trustees Must be Held Accountable for Student Success
Keeping HBCUs Accountable to Their Mission, Students, and Communities
Dear Fellow HBCU Graduates
Paving the Way
Author Talk with Dr. Charlie Nelms and Eric Brotheridge
Candle-Lighting Time: Celebrating Black History Month Differently
Book Signing & Talk: Charlie Nelms, “From Cotton Fields to University Leadership: A Memoir”
Office Hours with John Gardner
Episode 9 – Charlie Nelms
An Open Letter to HBCUs: Do Not Let This Moment Pass Us By
Five Things Blacks Must Do to Keep Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream from Becoming a Nightmare
Giving the Gift of Education
Prerequisites for Effective Presidential Searches
Lessons from My Journey
DEI is More than an Acronym!
An Open Letter to Trustees of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Six Things HBCUs Can Do to Increase Alumni Philanthropic Support
WRTV: IU Vice President Emeritus on COVID-19 vaccinations: ‘The hesitancy is real’
Nurturing the Next Generation of Historically Black College and University Leaders
Dr. Nelms — Teaching in STEM 2021
WCTV: Higher education leader, author, speaker, & activist, Dr. Charlie Nelms discusses his attitude of gratitude during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why I Plan to Take the COVID Vaccine and You Should Too
Navigating the COVID-19 Landscape:
Strategies for Mature Citizens
Charlie’s Lecture at University of Michigan, Flint
Inaugural Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture Series
Transcript of Charlie’s lecture:
Collaborating for Success: The Role of Urban Universities, Foundations & Corporations in Community Revitalization
Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture Series
University of Michigan — Flint, October 19, 2020
Charlie Nelms Named to Inaugural Board of The Doug Williams Center for the Study of Race and Politics in Sports
The Doug Williams Center for the Study of Race and Politics in Sports will engage domestic and global conversations on race and politics in sports aimed at helping to identify, analyze, and develop feasible solutions. The Center will leverage the expertise of an advisory board that will include academic leaders, athletes, politicians, and activists.
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Navigating the COVID-19 Landscape:
Strategies for Mature Citizens
by Charlie Nelms
Like many mature and retired citizens, a year ago I was making plans for using some of the funds I had squirreled away for visiting places on my bucket list, and for escaping the predictably cold winters in the Midwest where I live. Little did I know that my plans would not only be put on hold, but that they might be completely abandoned, due to the devastating effects of the coronavirus sweeping the world. While listening to health experts, several things quickly became clear.
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New Book Club Chooses Nelms Book as Inaugural Title
The Millennium Leadership Initiative has chosen Charlie’s From Cotton Fields to University Leadership: All Eyes on Charlie – A Memoir as the first book in their new Book Club.
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Keynote Speech, NAACP Corvallis-Albany Oregon Branch virtual Freedom Fund celebration
Honoring John Lewis
It’s not Enough to Celebrate
Say Their Names
Charlie Nelms speaking at the George Floyd Rally at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana
Speaker and Story Teller
A captivating orator, Charlie possesses the ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life. Through his storytelling, he helps audiences to see beyond what is, so they can imagine what is possible when transcending their own immediate interests.
What can you expect from a Charlie Nelms speech?
A thought-provoking, passionately delivered speech on an array of contemporary topics, for audiences that transcend generational boundaries, socio-economic status, ethnicity or professional affiliations. As a university leader who has devoted his life to working to level the playing field for historically disenfranchised people, Charlie challenges his audiences to become more assertive agents of change for excellence, equity and inclusion in all dimensions of life.
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Books by Charlie Nelms
From Cotton Fields to University Leadership: All Eyes on Charlie
“Charlie Nelms tells his riveting story from share croppers’ son in rural Arkansas to university president. His memoir is a testament to the power of aspiration, character and education to overcome poverty and adversity. “
— Michael L. Lomax,
President & CEO, United Negro College Fund (UNCF) 
Having My Say: Reflections of a Black Baby Boomer
From a national leader in higher education diversity and equity comes a timely collection of compelling reflections on giving, leading, changing, and advancing.
Charlie on Twitter
Read Charlie’s article in
Strengthening Governance at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
