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By Tiffany Whitfield

Kneeland Nesius, Ph.D., an 51�鱨վ professor for 45 years in the Department of Biological Sciences, died at his Virginia Beach home on June 2. He was 81.

Nesius, who retired in 2018, made impactful contributions to 51�鱨վ’s students and faculty, and to science locally and regionally.

Growing up in Rensselaer, Indiana, Nesius was enthralled by science and plants. He earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in biology from Purdue University. He taught biology at his alma mater, Rensselaer High School, and at South Newton High School as an undergraduate and graduate student, respectively.

He went on to earn a doctorate in botany/plant physiology from the University of Oklahoma in 1973 and was hired by 51�鱨վ immediately after graduating.

Nesius and Professor Emeritus Lytton John Musselman were hired at the same time to teach botany and conduct research at 51�鱨վ.

“He loved teaching biology, a passion through his 45 years at 51�鱨վ,” Musselman recalled. “His concern for students was palpable, reflected in the time and effort he put into his teaching and reflected in the arduous task of departmental advisor in one of the largest departments on campus. Those of us who worked with him recall a long line of students at registration time extending from his office and spilling into the hallway. He always had time for students.”

He was an expert in plant physiology, but students were his priority. He taught introductory biology classes to freshmen and developed a general course for non-majors. He also taught botany, plant physiology, honors research in biology, plant science, undergraduate plant research and graduate research.

“Dr. Nesius was the best teacher there ever was not to mention one of the kindest,” former student Shannon Dupre wrote in a memorial post. “He will be missed.” 

“Kneeland Nesius was the heart and soul of the Biology Department.”

- Deborah Waller, associate professor of biological sciences

Early in his career, he published important papers on dark reactions of photosynthesis. He received hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants from National Science Foundation, the Virginia State Water Control Board and Lifelong Learning and Academic Television Services and wrote more than 40 books.

He was also active in the Hampton Roads science community. He organized workshops for students and staff in Virginia Beach Public Schools, served as a panelist for the Virginia Junior Academy of Sciences, consulted with the Tidewater Community College Virginia Beach campus and helped organize curriculum for the freshman biology course.

Additionally, he received hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants from the National Science Foundation, the Virginia State Water Control Board and Lifelong Learning and Academic Television Services.

Nesius balanced his time between teaching, research and helping colleagues.

“In fact, the department established an award for the staff or faculty member who was most Kneeland-like,” said Mussleman. “Consistent and dependable, Kneeland always exhibited an irenic spirit that had the effect of bringing out the best in persons.”

“Kneeland’s legacy lives on within the Department of Biological Sciences with our annual Kneeland Nesius Most Supportive Colleague Award, which recognizes the colleague who exemplifies the finest characteristics that define the culture of the department,” added Holly Gaff, professor and chair of biological sciences who worked with Nesius during her first few years at 51�鱨վ. “I can’t think of a better way to honor Kneeland than to reward individuals that continue his amazing dedication and support in all things.”

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Deborah Waller remembered Nesius’ selflessness.

“Kneeland Nesius was the heart and soul of the Biology Department,” she said. “When I joined the department, which previously had only one female faculty member, in 1989, Kneeland was there whenever I needed, which was frequently. Long before mentorship was standard practice, Kneeland took new hires, post-docs and graduate students under his wing, explained what they needed to know and answered all their questions.”

Over the years Nesius is credited with helping many people adjust and find their way.

“He treated everyone like a family member,” said Master Lecturer and University Distinguished Teacher Tatyana Lobova. “Students loved him, and so did the colleagues. He was always willing to help everyone. When I started at the department, it was a steep learning curve for me with high-enrollment classes, so I used to ask Kneeland a lot of questions. I have learned so much from him about teaching, and he became my mentor. I will always have the warmest memories and appreciate so much all the time I spent with him and his family.”

Also, he served in demanding positions such as chief departmental advisor (from 1988 to 2005) and associate chair and volunteered whenever faculty were asked to participate in a college or University function.

“Students loved him, and I am convinced Kneeland is responsible for the strong cohesion of our botany students because they learned to love botany in his classes,” Waller said. “His office was a shrine featuring all the creative gifts students had made for him.”

As a plant physiologist, Nesius focused his research on the Chesapeake Bay Program, where he mentored graduate students whenever possible.

“He also introduced plant tissue culture into the classroom and used this technique to involve students in research,” Mussleman said. “Kneeland’s dear wife, Carolyn, shared his love of people and they delighted in helping others. I have benefited tremendously from knowing Kneeland and Carolyn, and they will always be my model for how to live a good life.”

In addition to his wife, Nesius is survived by sons Mark and Thad; daughter Michelle and husband Brent Roberts; two grandsons, Matthew and Jason; brother Tom and wife Diana; sister Judy and husband Larry Koebcke; sister-in-law Susan and numerous nieces and nephews. Nesius was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bruce and Jim, and sister-in-law Sharon.

 A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. July 10 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach.