Academics

 
 

Psychology - Faculty

Daniel Nelson


Chair, Psychology
Professor, Psychology
Assessment Coordinator

Phone: (612) 343-4787
Email: dan.nelson@northcentral.edu
Office: Kingsriter Center

  • B.S. – North Central, 1986
  • M.A. – St. Mary's University, Counseling Psychology, 1989
  • Ph.D. – University of Minnesota, Educational Psychology, 1998

In his nineteenth year as a North Central faculty member, Dan Nelson speaks with authority and insight on relevant issues to his students. A multiple year recipient of Who's Who Among America's Teachers, he advises Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, and chairs the psychology department at NCU.

 

Dan has also held several adjunct professor positions at other Twin Cities schools such as Bethel University and Northwestern College. Students enjoy learning from a professor who brings substantial experience into his teaching as Dan does, having worked as a psychiatric assistant, a counselor and a psychotherapist.

 

Although he is originally from Aberdeen, South Dakota, Dan now lives locally with Kari, his wife, his children, Ryan and Danielle, and Lily the cat. When he's not cultivating the minds of college students, he enjoys spending time getting involved with his kids, such as coaching baseball or fast-pitch softball.

Publications and Presentations

  • Nelson, D. (1999). The development of moral judgment, religiousness, and general knowledge: A longitudinal study of Bible college students. Doctoral dissertation, University of Minnesota.
  • Nelson, D. (2000). Multiple methods for analyzing moral judgment development using the Defining Issues Test. Journal of Research on Christian Education, 7, 25-43.
  • Nelson, D. (2004). Bible knowledge and moral judgment: Knowing Scripture and using ethical reasoning. Journal of Research on Christian Education, 13(1), 41-60.
  • Nelson, D., & Nelson, K. (2005). The use of principles for organizing the introductory psychology course. Psychology Learning & Teaching, 4(2), 95-101.
  • 2001—Minnesota Psychological Resources, "Fostering morality in the psychotherapeutic setting"
  • 2002—Council on Christian Higher Education, national conference, "Pentecostalism in the classroom: Articulation and application"
  • 2004—Minnesota Psychological Resources, "Integrating faith and work"

Professional Associations

  • American Psychological Association
  • Minnesota Psychological Association
 

Kari Nelson

Kari Nelson

Professor, Psychology

Phone: (612) 343-4788
Email: kjnelson@northcentral.edu
Office: Kingsriter Center

  • B.S. - North Central University, Behavioral Sciences, 1986
  • M.A. - St. Mary's Univeristy, Counseling Psychology, 1989
  • Psy.D. -University of St. Thomas, Counseling Psychology, 1995

In her nineteenth year as a faculty member at NCU, Kari enjoys being involved in a variety of capacities on campus. She works with the Psychology department honor students by advising Psi Chi, the National Honor Society. Kari also enjoys her time in the classroom, particularly her senior psychology students as they participate in her Group Process & Practice course. She also loves teaching Theories of Personality, Psychopathology, Psychological Testing, Marriage & the Family, Principles & Techniques of Psychotherapy, Lifespan Psychology, and General Psychology. Getting to know her students in the smaller class sizes afforded by attending a private university is a particular joy of Kari's.

Originally from Aberdeen, South Dakota, Kari now lives locally with her husband Dan, son Ryan, daughter Danielle, and Lily the family cat. In her spare time she enjoys watching Ryan play baseball, Danielle play fastpitch softball, walking, reading, and gardening. She also rarely passes up an opportunity to redecorate her house, have lunch with her sisters & friends, or watch Twins baseball on t.v. with her husband. And yes, she is married to the Department Chair, just in case you were wondering!

Publications & Presentations

  • Nelson, D. & Nelson, K. (2001). Enlisting student aid in assessing department objectives. Assessment Update, 13(6), 4-5.
  • Nelson, D. & Nelson, K. (2005). The use of principles for organizing the introductory psychology course. Psychology Learning & Teaching, 4(2), 95-101.

Professional Associations

  • American Psychological Association
  • Minnesota Psychological Assoication


Ronald Jewett

Professor, Psychology

Phone: (612) 343-4789
Email: rkjewett@northcentral.edu
Office: Kingsriter Center

  • B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
  • B.A., Otterbein College, 1974
  • M.A., University of Norht Dakota, 1976
  • Ph.D., University of North Dakota, 1980
  • Ordained, 1992
  • North Central, 1989

Donna McElveen

Donna McElveen

Director, Social Work
Professor, Social Work
Phone: (612) 343-4791
Email: dmmcelve@northcentral.edu
Office: Kingsriter Center