Dr. Joe Anson Named Recipient of Anne E. Nelson Professorship Award
Bellevue University selected Dr. Joe Anson as the recipient of the Anne E. Nelson Professorship Award for the 2026-27 academic year. The professorship supports projects that advance teacher preparation through technology, instructional practices, program development, and research.
Key Facts
- Bellevue University established the Anne E. Nelson Professorship in Teacher Education through a gift from Bellevue University Board Member John P. Nelson.
- The professorship honors Anne (Tucker) Nelson and her commitment to education and community service.
- Recipients receive recognition and a renewable annual stipend to support approved projects and initiatives.
- Dr. Joe Anson was selected as the second recipient for the 2026-27 academic year.
- He serves as Associate Professor of Education in Teacher Education and English.
About the Anne E. Nelson Professorship Award
Bellevue University established the Anne E. Nelson Professorship Award in Teacher Education through a leadership gift from longtime Bellevue University Board Member John P. Nelson in honor of his wife, Anne (Tucker) Nelson. The professorship supports faculty and staff who develop projects that strengthen teacher preparation and respond to the evolving needs of K-12 education.
The award encourages initiatives focused on teaching and learning, program delivery, educational technology, research, and professional development. Recipients may use award funds to advance approved projects that contribute to educator preparation.
This professorship creates opportunities for faculty members to move ideas into action. Through funding and recognition, the award supports exploration, research and program development that can strengthen how we prepare future educators and contribute to ongoing improvements in teaching and learning.
Dr. Joe Anson Selected for 2026-27 Academic Year
Bellevue University named Dr. Joe Anson as the second recipient of the Anne E. Nelson Professorship Award in Teacher Education for the 2026-27 academic year.
Dr. Anson serves as Associate Professor of Education in Teacher Education and English. His work focuses on writing instruction, adolescent literature, teacher education, secondary education, and English language arts. Before entering higher education, he taught English at the secondary level from 2000 to 2018. He has served as a university professor since 2017 and earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Utah State University.
"I am excited to use this opportunity to explore how we can better prepare future teachers for the realities of today's classrooms," said Dr. Anson. "I want to examine how initiatives such as the Science of Literacy and emerging technologies can support teacher development and student learning. The professorship gives us the ability to investigate new approaches, including AI-based teaching simulations and other tools, while maintaining the human connections that remain at the heart of effective teaching."
As recipient of the professorship, Anson plans to explore initiatives related to the Science of Literacy, teacher professional development, and emerging educational technologies. His work will also examine ways to balance technology with the interpersonal elements central to effective teaching and learning.
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 70,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 85 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).