Alumni Chapter Honorary Member - T. Milton Nelson

A native of Iowa, T. Milton Nelson joined the faculty of Maryland Cooperative Extension in 1970 as an associate editor-press. In 1979, his title changed to specialist-ag editor, and since his retirement in June 2001, he remains on contract with the college. Regardless of the title, Milt has served as a constant, reliable, and timely source of information about the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Extension Activities, and their personnel. He has covered events that help define and describe the depth and diversity of agriculture in Maryland and around the world. From his annual attention to detail of 4-H Champions at the Maryland State Fair to coordinating a 10-day tour for the Poverty Reduction Council from the People's Republic of China, Milt has always been there. He was a cornerstone to the Mid-Atlantic No-Till Conference and Delmarva Corn & Soybean Technology Conference, handling everything from publicity to audio-visual support.

During his 31 years at the University, he wrote over 1,500 news releases publicizing activities of Maryland Cooperative Extension and the college at large. He also served as editor of Briefs - a weekly in-house newsletter since 1982. In 2000 Milt published Briefs bi-weekly. Colleagues in the press throughout the region relate that "Milt served as a touchstone for information about the college... his files always were able to yield a time-worn story or picture for those needing a peek at years long gone by." It is also noted that Milt "remained a friend, always alert to story possibilities, even if they were not in his purview; always ready to take notes and shoot a picture or two for an otherwise busy reporter."

He has been an outstanding member of the university and extended community while completing his professional responsibilities with great commitment. He participated in the campus Advise-5 program with undergraduates, and was a member of the Commercial Redevelopment Committee of College Park City - University Partnership, Inc. He has been an active member of the Living Work Lutheran Church in Columbia, having served on the Congregation Council as a delegate to Synod Assemblies.

Alumni across the state and nation could count on Milt for up-to-date information about the college, and Maryland agricultural programs and issues. For that we are grateful and are proud to welcome Milt as an honorary member of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Chapter.

For more information, contact Gail Yeiser

Last updated: 03/12/2009