An Iowa State alumnus has returned to campus to take charge of the Student Health Center.

Jim Nelson recently was hired as director of the center to replace Interim Director Mark Blaedel.

“There’s just something exciting and invigorating about being around youth,” Nelson said. “There’s something special about what happens on a university campus.”

Nelson earned his bachelor’s degree in zoology from ISU in the 1960s; he received his master’s degree in hospital administration at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

During his 27 years in this field, Nelson was the CEO of three different Iowa hospitals.

Most recently, he was the CEO at the Buena Vista County Hospital in Storm Lake.

Nelson said he has a very positive attitude about being back at ISU.

“It’s probably the most beautiful campus in the world,” he said.

During his time here, Nelson said he hopes to make the center a state-of-the-art clinic by upgrading data processing and making other changes in the system.

“I’m very proud of this new facility,” he said. “I want to make this the center of excellence.”

After former director Robert Patterson retired from his position in 1997, Blaedel stepped in until a replacement could be found. He will continue to work in the center and treat students.

Blaedel is happy to be back in the clinic and glad that Nelson has filled the position of director, he said.

“I think he is going to serve the health center really well,” Blaedel said, “Which ultimately means serve the students really well.”