Remembering Craig E. Nelson

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Professor Emeritus Craig Nelson, who died peacefully at his home in Bloomington on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Craig dedicated nearly four decades to the Biology Department at Indiana University, beginning in 1966 and continuing until his retirement in 2004. Although his academic work centred on evolutionary and ecological research, his greatest passion lay in science education. He was widely recognized for his commitment to advancing critical thinking and improving the teaching of evolution, earning numerous prestigious national teaching awards. In 2001, he received Indiana University’s President’s Medal for Excellence, the institution’s highest distinction. His influence as a mentor and educator left a lasting mark on both students and colleagues across the university community.

Beyond his academic achievements, Craig played a foundational role in shaping the broader teaching and learning community. He was actively involved in the early development of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL), helping to build a global network dedicated to improving the understanding and practice of teaching and learning. His leadership and vision contributed to advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning as a respected and impactful field. Through this work and through the many relationships he fostered, Craig’s influence will continue to be felt by educators and scholars around the world.