Social & Behavioral Sciences Faculty

Daniel Nelson

Chair, Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Professor, Psychology
Assessment Coordinator

Phone: (612) 343-4787
Email: dan.nelson@northcentral.edu
Office: Kingsriter Center 205

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 department of Social & Behavioral Sciences 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 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

Professor, Psychology

Phone: (612) 343-4788
Email: kjnelson@northcentral.edu
Office: Kingsriter Center 205

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 SBS 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 205

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

Donna McElveen

MSW, LGSW

Director, Social Work
Professor, Social Work
Phone: (612) 343-4791
Email: dmmcelve@northcentral.edu
Office: Kingsriter Center 205

B.A. Virginia Wesleyan College, 2002
MSW College of St. Catherine & University of St. Thomas, 2007

As a recent addition to the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Donna comes with 10 years of experience in the human services/social work field. Her areas of interest include, gerontology, grief intervention, and holistic interventions with older adults. Donna was hired by NCU to direct the Social Work Program and work towards the program's accreditation. Donna enjoys her new position, as it provides her opportunity to speak into the future of the social work field by mentoring future social workers. She is excited about the future of the social work program at NCU.

Donna grew up in Woodstock, Georgia. However, she has lived in many areas of the United States, as her husband served 20 years in the US Navy. Donna moved to Minnesota from Virginia Beach, VA in 2002. She has two children, Jennifer and David. The family has two dogs, Sasha and Buster. Donna enjoys gardening, painting, the outdoors (especially in the summer), and baseball. Growing up in Georgia, Donna loves the Atlanta Braves and loves attending major league baseball games.

Publications

McElveen, D (2007). The theory of reminiscence: A multidisciplinary approach in nursing homes. (Master's research and Thesis)

Professional Presentations

The theory of reminiscence: A multidisciplinary approach in nursing homes.
Risk factors for older adults - When and how to intervene.

Professional Associations

NACSW - National Association of Christian Social Workers
NASW - National Association of Social Workers