Garrison Nelson, senior member of the political science faculty at the University of Vermont and a well-known commentator on Vermont and national political trends, issues and personalities, was invested May 14 as the first Elliott A. Brown Green & Gold Professor of Law, Politics and Political Behavior.

UVM president Tom Sullivan said Nelson “is richly deserving of this honor.” He shared comments from some of the more than 13,000 students Nelson has taught in his 47 years at UVM and praised Nelson as a scholar, a teacher, commentator and public intellectual.

Nelson joins a group of 91 faculty who hold endowed professorships at UVM and who make up a distinguished corps of educators, researchers and practitioners at a very high level of academic achievement. Sullivan has made increasing the number of endowed professorships a top priority since his arrival.

Nelson earned his A.B. from Boston University and his M.A. and Ph.D. at the University Iowa. He first came to the University of Vermont as an instructor in 1968, making him one of UVM’s longest-serving faculty members. He was appointed assistant professor in 1972, associate professor in 1976 and professor in 1994.

Nelson is one of the University of Vermont’s most widely published authors and a sought-after commentator on Vermont and American government, political leadership and political parties. His major research focus is on national politics, the U.S. Congress and Vermont elections.

The endowed professorship is named in honor of Elliott A. Brown, UVM Class of 1959, who spoke at the ceremony. Brown said he was motivated to establish the professorship because of what the university and the Department of Political Science did for him. "It's my way of trying to say 'thank you' to the university, the department and the administration for doing such a great job and for helping me grow, as well as other students. I'm so proud of this university. You're the love of my life." Brown has long been a generous benefactor and volunteer for his alma mater. He retired as Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Justice in January, 2006. Prior to that he served in various positions in the Department of Justice. Following his graduation from UVM, Brown went on to earn his M.A. in Public Law & Government from Columbia University, in 1965.

Nelson and Brown were each presented a medallion at a special investiture ceremony held in the Political Science Gallery in the Old Mill building.

Rich Bundy, president and CEO of the University of Vermont Foundation, presided at the ceremony. Provost David Rosowsky officiated in the conferral of medallions.