Dr. Susie Nelson
Director of Agriculture Science | Assistant Professor of Agriculture Science
Education
- B.S. General Agriculture – Oregon State University
- B.S. Business Administration – Oregon State University
- M.A. Agriculture – Oregon State University
- Ph.D. Agriculture Education – Oregon State University
About Dr. Nelson
Dr. Nelson joined Corban University in 2021 to help launch Corban’s agriculture science program after years of experience in the farming community and fields of agriculture science and education. Completing her undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs at Oregon State University, Nelson initially honed her craft teaching agriculture sciences at nearby Cascade High School. She eventually transitioned to higher education, teaching and advising in the College of Agriculture Sciences, then working at OSU’s Ecampus, where she advised distance learning students.
Susie has been around farming her entire life. She began raising her own herd of Black Angus in fifth grade and has now managed her family farm for the past 30 years. She married her husband, Dan, in 1989, and together they have three children. When she’s not running the family farm, Susie enjoys taking her horses out on trailrides, gardening, canning, and biking.
Recently Taught Courses
Principles of Sustainable Agriculture
Examine the environmental and societal impacts of conventional agriculture and explore sustainable alternatives. You’ll learn how farming practices affect communities and ecosystems—locally and globally—while investigating innovative solutions for the future of food.
Crop Science with Lab
Study the science behind crop production, from plant growth and soil health to pest control and harvesting. This hands-on lab course connects agronomic principles with real-world farming challenges and innovations in sustainable food, feed, and fiber production.
Natural Resource Economics
Apply economic principles to pressing environmental challenges. Learn to analyze market failures, property rights, and cost-benefit scenarios related to air and water pollution, waste management, and resource use—while exploring the vital role of public policy in sustainability.
Land and Water Management
Explore global trends and policies shaping land and water use. This course covers sustainable practices, land-related services, and intervention strategies while emphasizing the critical connection between natural resources and long-term environmental stewardship.
Working at Corban allows me the freedom to teach as I believe and live, knowing that my truth comes from God. I am excited to start and build a quality agriculture degree program at Corban.