Maurice Nelson was born in Hutchinson, Minnesota and after contracting polio changed his career plans from farmer to teacher. He attended the Mankato Normal School for one year before completing his Bachelor of Science from Stout Institute in Menominee, Wisconsin. Nelson returned to Mankato and taught Industrial Arts in the Normal School, Teachers College and College from 1918-1959. He also served as Dean of Men from 1925 until his retirement in 1959.
Construction began on the Industrial Arts Building in 1961 and instructors conducted the first classes in the Fall of 1962. On December 18, 1967 the State College Board voted to name the building after Maurice J. Nelson. Nelson was a long time professor in Industrial Arts and later became Dean of Men. He served the campus community from 1918 until 1959. In 1979 the connection between Armstrong Hall and Nelson was completed and contains the Effie Conkling Art Gallery.
