Phillip D. Nelson, DVM, PhD

Dean, Professor of Immunology

Biographical Information

Dr. Phillip Nelson earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Jackson State University in 1980, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee Institute in 1979, and a Doctor of Philosophy from North Carolina State University (Immunology/Biotechnology) in 1993. He received specialty training in small animal internal medicine as an intern and resident at Mississippi State University from 1979 - 1983. Dr. Nelson has worked in academia and research starting as a clinical instructor and rising through the academic ranks to Professor during the first two decades of his career. His research interests and activities primarily focused on FeLV and FIV infections in cats as biological models for human HIV and the development of lymphocytic immunity in the dog and cat.

Dr. Nelson began his career as an administrator in 1993 when he became 'Head of the department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery' at Tuskegee University's School of Veterinary Medicine. In 1994, he was selected as Associate Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University where he served for more than 11 years. He is presently the Executive Associate Dean for the Pre-clinical Program at the Western University's College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona, CA.

Dr. Nelson has received numerous awards for teaching, research, and service to the community. He is the author of numerous articles, papers, and presentations that address topics ranging from his research interests to topics of interest for minority candidates that might be interested in veterinary medicine. He has served on various committees of the AVMA, AAVMC, and AL and MS State VMAs. He is presently working on a national strategic effort through the AAVMC to broaden the diversity of the profession.

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