From the newsletter of the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives
To commemorate a cooperative career spanning over 30 years, William Nelson of the Ralph K. Morris Foundation recently spoke with the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (UWCC) to reflect on his extensive history in the cooperative world. This brief summary can only touch on the many contributions William has made over the years. Anyone who has had the privilege of working with him would attest to his remarkable influence. UWCC has been fortunate to benefit from William’s guidance for over two decades, through his participation on our advisory committee. Nonetheless, we hope to highlight his invaluable work for all to appreciate.
William’s journey to the cooperative movement began much like many others – by chance. As a college student, he was simply looking for a place to purchase snow tires for his 1963 Chevrolet Impala. Little did he know that this mundane errand would spark a lifelong interest in cooperatives. After purchasing the tires, he unexpectedly received a $5 check from the local farmer cooperative. Intrigued, William met with the store manager, who introduced him to the cooperative model – a moment that sparked a passion that would define his career for decades to come.
The cooperative business model left a lasting impression on William, leading him to connect with several cooperative leaders, including some of the founding members of The Cooperative Foundation (now part of the Cooperative Development Foundation). While pursuing graduate studies at the University of Houston at Clear Lake City in Texas, William undertook a research project on the future of cooperatives, which gave him the opportunity to work more directly with cooperatives, particularly in the agriculture sector. Though he described his cooperative work as “a small part” of his role, William took the initiative to identify the cooperatives that provided scholarships for students. He then organized a luncheon that brought together scholarship recipients and their cooperative benefactors. The event not only strengthened ties but also spurred an increase in scholarship offerings, revitalizing the focus on cooperative education for young people.
From there, William’s career took off, and his involvement in agriculture cooperatives expanded. As a professor at the University of Minnesota – Waseca, he encouraged students to engage with cooperatives on a “real world” level, beyond what could be found in a textbook. Throughout his career, William has served on many boards of directors, but his contributions went beyond mere involvement. He transformed the organizations he worked with, relentlessly revitalizing, adapting, and growing each one.
William’s work with The Cooperative Foundation and the CHS Foundation challenged the idea that these organizations existed simply as financial resources. He emphasized the importance of leadership programs and education, elevated both, and took the organizations to new heights.
Over the years, William has provided important leadership to cooperative organizations. While serving as a director at the Association of Cooperative Educators (ACE), William identified declining membership and recognized its crucial role within the cooperative ecosystem. He was a critical part of creating the ACE Institute, a national conference that is still bringing cooperative educators together today. Additionally, William was the primary architect behind the growth and evolution of the Ralph K. Morris Foundation, taking it farther than ever expected.
In 2010, when William was nominated for the Cooperative Builder Award, his colleagues expressed deep admiration for his unwavering commitment to cooperative leadership development and education. William was also described as a visionary, with the exceptional ability to see connections between organizations, anticipate their future potential, and strengthen relationships. His foresight has shaped many of the programs we continue to participate in today. William’s list of honors is long. Being recognized with such prestigious honors, including the Cooperative Hall of Fame induction and the VIP Citation by the National FFA Organization, speaks volumes about his contributions to both the cooperative community and the agricultural sector.
UWCC has been honored to have William sit on our advisory committee, where he has brought perspective that is both innovative and deeply rooted in a profound understanding of cooperative businesses and their importance in our world. His connections with many of us run deep, and we are grateful to have witnessed his remarkable skills in action.