Frederick B. Nelson – Health and Physcial Education Faculty, 1962 – 1999

Frederick “Erik” B. Nelson

Health & Physical Education Faculty Member  1962 – 1999

                I moved to Lafayette in the summer of 1961 to market several oil field patents which were eventually placed with established companies to market. I then decided to pursue my Doctorate degree at LSU where I met Louis Bowers. He offered materials that I could use in courses that I would have to take. I went to his USL office to pick up this material, and he introduced me to Dr. Fred Brown who was the H&PE Department Head. Dr. Brown and I chatted for about 20 minutes about life, my past and his. Two weeks later (out of the blue), he called and asked if I’d like to take a teaching position with the H&PE Department. I accepted;that was 1962.

                Since that time, many wonderful people have come into my life. Ed Dugas became a lasting and best friend. Close and lasting friendships were also made with Clyde Wolf, Marty Bourg, Dr. Clyde Rougeau (President of USL), and Dr. Fred Brown.  I associate many enjoyable and lasting memories with all four of these fine individuals. Unfortunately, Marty and Clyde Rougeau passed away several years ago.

                Spring of 1999 will be the semester in which I plan to retire from full-time teaching at USL. I still plan to teach wilderness adventure training as an adjunct teacher.

                I “created” the Weights and Conditioning program and class at USL, which has been most successful. It was patterned after the program of my alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin, where I received both my B.S. and Masters Degrees.

While at USL, I invented the “Nelson Reaction Timer”, “The Nelson Gravity Meter”, “The Nelson Best Fishing and Hunting Calculator”, and “The Nelson Sun Cylinder” (My most unusual and scientific accomplishment). Additionally, I wrote a great deal of poetry during my years at USL.  Some of my poetic works are “A Life Complete”, “The Cajuns”, “Acadiana”, and “Louisiana” which was accepted by the State Tourist Commission and displayed on a wooden plaque at all of the “Welcome Centers” of the state. Book marks with the poem were also widely distributed by the Department of Tourism.

In conclusion, I can say with all honesty say that I’ve enjoyed every year and day here at USL, never dreading going to work, only looking forward to each day. My greatest hope is that I have influenced some of my students in a positive way. Thank you, USL, for a wonderful part of my life.

Fred “Erik” B. Nelson