Nelson named chair of Division of Music

July 31, 2023

Dr. Patricia Nelson has been selected as chair of the OBU Division of Music, effective Aug. 1. She will also continue to serve as an associate professor of music education.

Nelson has served as interim chair of the Division of Music in recent months.

“We are excited to name Dr. Nelson to a position in which she has already been capably serving in an interim capacity. Dr. Nelson is passionate about the work of the Division of Music, is beloved by her students, and is a committed follower of Jesus. We are hopeful for the future of our music programs under her leadership,” said Dr. Matthew Y. Emerson, OBU dean of theology, arts and humanities.

Nelson is a life-long music educator working with students from preschool through adults. Nelson has taught public school music, private piano and organ lessons in Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Spain. She has worked as a choir director, children’s choir coordinator, organist and academy director in churches in Texas and Georgia.

She has taught at the university level in Texas, Georgia and Oklahoma. Nelson holds a valid all-level music teaching certificate in Texas and is Orff certified.