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M Nellis
President Emeritus and Trustee Professor at Ohio University
M. Duane Nellis is an accomplished American educator and university administrator, recognized for his extensive contributions to higher education. He served as the 21st President of Ohio University from 2017 until 2021, after which he transitioned to the role of President Emeritus and Trustee Professor in the Geography Department at the university.
Educational Background
Nellis was born on July 26, 1954, in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from Montana State University with a bachelor's degree in earth sciences and geography in 1976. He continued his education at Oregon State University, earning both a master's degree (1977) and a Ph.D. in geography (1980) .13
Academic Career
Before his tenure at Ohio University, Nellis held several significant positions:
- President of Texas Tech University (2013-2017)
- President of the University of Idaho (2009-2013)
- Provost and Senior Vice President at Kansas State University
- Dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University .13
His research primarily focuses on geographic information systems and remote sensing, leading to over 160 articles and reports and more than 20 books. Nellis has received numerous accolades for his work, including being named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Explorers Club .123
Contributions as President
During his presidency at Ohio University, Nellis implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing academic quality and student engagement:
- Launched the OHIO Honors Program
- Created the position of Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
- Oversaw significant campus improvements, including new learning spaces and facilities .23
Nellis's leadership was pivotal in elevating Ohio University's status to an R1 Very High Research Activity institution by 2021 .23
Retirement and Current Role
After stepping down as president in June 2021, Nellis focused on teaching within the Geography Department. He officially retired at the end of the fall semester in December 2024 but continues to hold the title of Trustee Professor .24 His contributions to academia have been recognized with various awards, including being named a Fellow of the American Association of Geographers in 2023 .3
In summary, M. Duane Nellis has had a distinguished career marked by leadership roles across multiple universities and significant contributions to research and education in geography.


