The University of Wisconsin–Madison will award an honorary doctor of science degree to Tia Nelson, a globally recognized advocate for environmental stewardship and sustainability, at its spring commencement ceremony.
A UW–Madison graduate and the daughter of former Wisconsin governor and U.S. senator Gaylord Nelson, Nelson has built a decades-long career advancing conservation efforts worldwide. She spent more than 20 years with The Nature Conservancy, where she founded the organization’s Global Climate Change Initiative. Her leadership has also included roles with the Outrider Foundation and her current position as executive secretary of the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands.
UW–Madison’s honorary degree recipients are selected for sustained, exceptional contributions that reflect the values of the university. “Ms. Nelson’s distinguished achievement represents the best of the Wisconsin Idea in regard to the university and the world,” the committee wrote.
Nelson was previously recognized by the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies in 2015, when Dean Paul Robbins named her a board member emeritus in appreciation of her service.
She will receive the honorary degree at the doctoral, MFA, and medical professional commencement ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 8, at the Kohl Center. More information about Nelson is available here.