Nellie McCannon Life Sciences Communication Scholarship

Nellie attended Iowa State College, where, in 1939, she earned a BS in Home Economics with a major in household equipment. After working for several utility companies, she became a home agent in Milwaukee County from 1943 to 1952. During these years, she was the first extension agent to use television as an educational tool. Her first program, a monthly half-hour show about foods, proved to be extremely popular with audiences. She decided to return to school in order to learn about the teaching potential of television. After earning her MS in Agricultural Journalism at UW in 1953, Nellie joined the department. In 1967, her appointment became joint between Agricultural Journalism and the School of Family Resources and Consumer Sciences. Part of her work involved teaching undergraduate and graduate classes in home economics journalism and advising students. As the home economics editor of the Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Programs, she and farm broadcaster Maurice White made five WHA-TV television programs every week.

Eligibility Criteria
Awarded to undergraduate or graduate students majoring in Life Science Communications.

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