Kingsley Nelson Jr., a chemical engineering major with a minor in economics, is being recognized for his contributions to The University of New Mexico, according to a May 14 announcement. Nelson plans to complete his master’s degree at the university in December through the shared credit program, which allows students to earn graduate credits during their undergraduate studies.
Nelson’s involvement has focused on supporting student organizations and fostering community among underrepresented groups on campus. He said, “I grew up around engineering my entire childhood. Choosing chemical was the struggle for me, I was fortunate to take part in an LPN nursing program while I was in high school and that’s where I got introduced to a lot of medical principals, anatomy and physiology. That’s where my love for medicine grew and I wanted something that combined the two.”
He found support through African American Student Services (AASS) as a freshman. “Coming in freshman year, walking into AASS was great because I found a bunch of people that looked like me, people that could relate to my background,” Nelson said. “It felt like family. Growing up in New Mexico, there aren’t as many African American individuals here. Coming to UNM, it was amazing to see how many likeminded individuals were around me. It was immediately something that I wanted to give back to and help support.”
Nelson worked on rebuilding engagement with B.L.A.C.K., Brothers Leading and Cultivating Knowledge—a student organization whose membership increased from four members after the pandemic downturn to over twenty during his time involved. “B.L.A.C.K. is the UNM’s premier organization for black men here on campus,” he said.
He also revitalized Tau Sigma, the local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity—one of nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations known as the Divine Nine—and helped grow its membership from one person (himself) serving all executive roles up to six members today.
Reflecting on his experience at UNM, Nelson said: “I’m gratefully indebted to UNM for my four years here…I owe UNM a lot; I’ve had an amazing time here especially with my degree program and my involvement outside as well.” The University of New Mexico boasts more than 200,000 alumni worldwide—including fellows of national academies—and serves over 24,000 students across its main and branch campuses each spring semester; it has been ranked among top public schools nationally by U.S News & World Report according to the official website.
