Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2006

About Charles L. Nelson

Charles L. Nelson earned his B.A. in Biological Science and his dentistry degree from Indiana University. After completing his education, Nelson entered the military with the United States Air Force serving at the USAF Regional Hospital at Carswell AFB in Texas, until 1982, leaving with a rank of Major.

Dr. Nelson began working as full-time faculty for the Indiana University School of Dentistry as an Associate Professor; he also served as the Director of the Residency Training Program, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and as Chairman of the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery for the Indiana University School of Dentistry and Medical Center Hospitals. From 1983 until 1994 he was the Assistant Director for the Craniofacial Anomalies Team at James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children. In 1994, he chose full-time private practice and was a partner at Avon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Avon, retiring in 2013. He briefly held the position of Interim-Chairman of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at the IU School of Dentistry. Dr. Nelson was a member of the American Dental Association, Indiana Dental Association, Indianapolis District Dental Society, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (served as President 1988-89), Great Lakes Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Cleft Palate Association.

Dr. Nelson received many awards during his lifetime including Phi Eta Sigma Scholastic Honorary Fraternity from Indiana University, the Glenn J. Pell Memorial Scholastic Award from Indiana Society of Oral Surgeons, an Air Force Commendation Medal and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a dental honorary fraternity. He and his wife were longtime supporters of the IU School of Dentistry.