Background
Nelson, William Neal was born on December 26, 1941 in Bastrop, Louisiana, United States. Son of Noble William and Nova Helen (Jenkins) Nelson.
Nelson, William Neal was born on December 26, 1941 in Bastrop, Louisiana, United States. Son of Noble William and Nova Helen (Jenkins) Nelson.
Bachelor in English, Centenary College, Shreveport, Louisiana, 1963, Bachelor in History, 1964. Master of Arts, Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge, 1973, Master of Library Science, 1974, Doctor of Philosophy, 1981. Volunteer, United States Peace Corps, Brazil, 1964-1966.
Library director Mobile College (Alabama), 1974-1982.
Library director Carson-Newman College, Jefferson City, Tennessee, 1982-1985. University librarian Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama, 1985-1993.
Curator Alabama Baptist History Collection, 1985-1993. Director Institute Genealogy and History.
Research, 1985-1993; library director Augusta State University, since 1993, tenured professor, 1997. Curator Richmond County History Society, since 1994.
Served to lieutenant United States Navy, 1966-1971. Member American Library Association, Association College and Research Libraries, Southeastern Library Association, Tennessee Library Association (speaker 1984), Alabama Library Association (chairman CUS division 1990, Second vice president 1991), Georgia Library. Association, Conference Latin American History, South Eastern Council on Latin American Studies, Central Savannah River Area Library.
Association (vice president 1994-1995, president 1995-1996, 96-97).
Married Julia Elizabeth Carden, January 28, 1968. Children: Beth Ann, Christopher William.