David P. Nelson, Ph.D.
President / Professor of Religious Studies
David P. Nelson, PhD, is the 24th President of Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina. His three decades in higher education have brought together teaching, scholarship, music, ministry, and institutional leadership.
Dr. Nelson’s scholarship includes published work in theology, music, and leadership. His teaching and professional travel have taken him to Thailand, Brazil, Turkey, and Uganda. As an instrumentalist, vocalist, and conductor, he studied with and performed under musicians including Anshel Brusilow, Hal Gibbons, Avon Gillespie, Loyd Hawthorne, and Sir David Willcocks. He has also served churches in Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Before coming to Catawba, Dr. Nelson led Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston as President and Professor of Religious Studies. He previously served as Provost and Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem and as Provost and Professor of Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest.
Since his arrival in 2020, Dr. Nelson has guided Catawba through a period of growth and renewal, shaped by the College’s historic Ideal, “Scholarship with Character and Culture for Service.” Under his leadership, the College has raised record levels of support, achieved carbon neutrality, and launched the Center for North Carolina Politics and Public Service.
Catawba is developing a district energy system powered by 288 geoexchange wells, restoring historic buildings to green standards, and preparing to open a new 130-bed residence hall. Enrollment has grown from approximately 1,000 to more than 1,400 students, while admission has become more selective. Catawba’s NCAA Division II athletics program has also risen to 10th nationally in the Learfield Directors’ Cup.
Dr. Nelson serves on the boards of Rowan County United Way, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, and Second Nature, a national nonprofit working to accelerate climate action in and through higher education.
At Catawba, he remains active in the academic, musical, and religious life of the College. He teaches in religious studies, conducts during the annual Lessons & Carols service, and serves as interim pastor of worship at First United Church of Christ, a congregation with long ties to Catawba.
He is married to Kimberly Nelson and is the father of three children and grandfather of four.
- Dr. David P. Nelson President of Catawba College"Catawba is a vibrant learning community that prepares students for meaningful life and work," says Dr. Nelson. "While the next few years may look different than any of us would have imagined just a matter of weeks ago, I am confident that the extraordinary people at Catawba along with the Salisbury/Rowan community will meet the extraordinary challenges ahead of us with energy, creativity, and resolve. I am eager to join in that work."
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