After a robust nationwide search conducted by Isaacson, Miller, Fisk University has appointed Dr. Brian L. Nelms—formerly Dean of Fisk’s School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics & Business—as its new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Dr. Nelms arrives in this senior academic leadership role with deep experience at Fisk and beyond. At Fisk, he has served as coordinator of the undergraduate Biochemistry & Molecular Biology program, and as Director of Graduate Studies in Biology, where he has led research labs and mentored students. He also has been instrumental in launching new courses, degree programs, and research opportunities that reinforce Fisk’s academic strength.
“Dr. Nelms has long demonstrated an unwavering dedication to Fisk’s mission of developing high-achieving, principled graduates,” said Dr. Agenia W. Clark, President of Fisk University. “With more than a decade of teaching at Fisk, he understands our students, faculty and institutional culture—and is committed to advancing our trajectory of excellence. After evaluating more than 100 candidates, we are delighted to name him Provost.”
In research leadership, Dr. Nelms has served as Principal Investigator on grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. He also serves as a mentor in the Fisk–Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge Program, supporting more than 30 students in their doctoral journeys.
“I look forward to continuing work with our talented and dedicated faculty and staff so that Fisk can continue to provide the transformational academic experience—and excellence—that our bright students deserve,” said Dr. Nelms. “Fisk University is a special place and I am excited for our future.”
Dr. Nelms earned undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Spanish, followed by a PhD in Microbiology & Molecular Biology from Pennsylvania State University. He also completed post-doctoral training in the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology at Vanderbilt University.