2026 Inspiring Grad | Kingsley Nelson Jr.

Kingsley Nelson Jr.'s impact on The University of New Mexico will remain long after he graduates. Nelson, who is majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in economics, plans to complete a master's degree at UNM in December via the shared credit program, which allows students to complete graduate credits during their undergraduate studies.

"I grew up around engineering my entire childhood," Nelson said. "Choosing chemical was the struggle for me, I was fortunate to take part in an LPN nursing program while I was in high school and that's where I got introduced to a lot of medical principals, anatomy and physiology. That's where my love for medicine grew and I wanted something that combined the two."

As a freshman, Nelson walked into African American Student Services and found a community.

"Coming in freshman year, walking into AASS was great because I found a bunch of people that looked like me, people that could relate to my background," Nelson said. "It felt like family. Growing up in New Mexico, there aren't as many African American individuals here. Coming to UNM, it was amazing to see how many likeminded individuals were around me. It was immediately something that I wanted to give back to and help support."

That support began with helping to rebuild engagement with the student organization B.L.A.C.K., an acronym for Brothers Leading and Cultivating Knowledge. Like many student organizations, B.L.A.C.K suffered from decreased participation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. During Nelson's time involved with the organization, membership climbed to 20+.

"B.L.A.C.K. is the UNM's premier organization for black men here on campus," Nelson said. "It was one of the first organizations that I was introduced to here. A good friend of mine brought me to their first meeting my freshman year, and there were only four of us. As soon as I walked into the meeting, the president at the time welcomed me with open arms. They got me involved and I wanted to serve as a campus resource for incoming students of all sorts, but especially people that look like me to be able to help them get acclimated."

Nelson would go on to revitalize Tau Sigma, the UNM chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. APA, founded at Cornell University in 1906, is the oldest of the Divine Nine Black Greek-letter organizations and a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

"I didn't really intend to join the Greek community here," he said. "I hadn't grown up around it, so it was new to me. The thing that drew me to Alpha Phi Alpha specifically was seeing all the work the brothers do around the city. If you go around and ask about Alpha, you'll hear a lot of great things!"

When he first got involved with Alpha, he was the only member and had to serve as the entire executive board. He credits the help he received from his community with helping him to rebuild the chapter and leave Tau Sigma stronger than he found it. The chapter is up to six members.

"I'm gratefully indebted to UNM for my four years here," Nelson said. "I really think if I wasn't put into the positions I was in regarding student organizations and involvement, I wouldn't have developed as I have. I owe UNM a lot, I've had an amazing time here especially with my degree program and my involvement outside as well."