Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
For Christopher Nelson, Ph.D., South Texas College dean of Liberal Arts, the new year will bring new adventure as a newly-elected International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) Board of Trustees.
Nelson will begin his three-year term January 28, 2025, which is when he will officially be inducted.
“I’m honored, I’m excited. Being appointed to this board is a big deal for me,” he said. “I really thought I hadn’t been selected, so it was a nice surprise getting the news.”
Nelson said he has attended numerous IMAS events and exhibits with his family, but to be a part of an organization that immerses the community in art and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), is a great privilege.
Excited to work with and collaborate with the other trustees, including his counterpart at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), Nelson said he is looking forward to expanding access to innovative and diverse initiatives.
“I’m most looking forward to learning the ins and outs of IMAS, in addition to co-sponsoring events that our students at STC, UTRGV and local school districts can look forward to,” he said. “Having a place like IMAS in our community plays a pivotal role in the education and experiences dedicated to our students.”
Additionally, Nelson said the museum has an opportunity of becoming a pipeline from the classroom to the community.
“IMAS is a great pillar in our region. It makes our area great,” said Nelson. “My students read about art and science, but with the museum, they can also tangibly experience it. I’m excited to bring my ideas to the table.”
Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs and Economic Development Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D., said she is pleased that Nelson was selected to serve on the IMAS Board of Trustees. She said she knows he will represent well.
“I want to thank Dr. Nelson for his support and ensuring that STC has a voice on this vital local board,” she said. “He will be an outstanding advocate for the museum and its mission, while also proudly representing the college and our students.”
Nelson has been a member of the STC family since 2015, when he started as faculty for the Philosophy department. He became dean in 2020 and since then has handled all administrative work for his department.
However, he is looking forward to returning to the classroom once a week, starting next year.“I’m excited for all the new adventures 2025 is bringing me,” said Nelson. “I firmly believe that balancing art and science is the root to the shift we’re seeing in industry and the workforce. It’s our base in how we navigate education. This new appointment will let me, firsthand,
