For more information, contact Brad Stach, Ph.D., at CID, 314/977-0151 or Donald Nielsen, Ph.D., at 314/579-0204
ST. LOUIS -- Donald W. Nielsen, Ph.D., who has served as executive director of Central Institute for the Deaf since April 1994, has stepped aside. Dr. Nielsen continues to serve in a consulting capacity, with board support, but is no longer involved in day-to-day operations at CID, which is located at the southernmost end of the Washington University School of Medicine campus in St. Louis.
Robert G. Clark, president of CID's board of managers and chairman and CEO of Clayco Construction Company, assumed the role as CID's executive director on May 17.
"CID operated successfully under Dr. Nielsen's leadership during a period of prosperity and growth," said Clark. "CID is nearing completion of one of the most successful capital campaigns in St. Louis, raising more than $31 million, has built a new campus, including a new oral school and the Harold W. Siebens Hearing Research Center, and attracted top researchers and teachers of the deaf from across the country.
While at CID, Nielsen helped develop and implement the multi-faceted institution's strategic plan, reorganizing the Institute's management team and rejuvenating programs. He also oversaw the design and building of CID's new 42,000-square-foot Oral School, which made its debut in January 2000, and the new 66,000-square-foot Harold W. Siebens Hearing Research Center, which was dedicated in February 2001.
In March 2002, CID announced that it had completed its anonymous donor's challenge to raise $15 million to match its lead capital campaign gift of $10 million.
CID reached its match a full seven months ahead of schedule and exceeded its $5 million additional endowment goal by $2.6 million. When Nielsen stepped down, only $1.6 million remained to be raised to reach the total $32 million capital goal.
Giving Voice. Being Heard. The campaign for CID, began in December 1997, is expected to be complete by year-end. The Honorable Thomas F. Eagleton serves as honorary chairperson, with Robert G. Clark and John D. Weil serving as campaign co-chairs. In April, CID raised an additional $175,000 at its Ultimate Picnic, an annual fundraiser.
Also under Nielsen's leadership, CID recruited a number of top academics and research scientists, instigated a successful merger with another nonprofit organization, Deaf Services, and developed a new institute-wide graphic identity. He also instituted an external peer review of all the institute's programs, using national advisory groups.
According to Brad A. Stach, Ph.D., director of audiology and clinical services at CID and president-elect of the American Academy of Audiology, Nielsen was particularly instrumental in increasing collaboration with Washington University Medical Center. "Washington University is where CID has its roots and Don worked hard to open and maintain lines of communications with faculty and staff," added Stach. "CID is the financially independent, CID-based Washington University Department of Speech and Hearing, so there is a natural synergy there. (Editor's note: U.S. News & World Report rated the CID graduate program in audiology within the nation's top 10 in 2000 and 2002.)* Nielsen also was a professor in the Washington University Department of Speech and Hearing and served as department chair from 1994 to 1996. He also was an adjunct Professor of Otolaryngology.
According to Stach, CID scientists have conducted two landmark NIH studies of cochlear implants in children. Researchers in cellular and molecular biology of the ear have been recently awarded 13 competitive grants, nine from NIH and four from NASA, approved through a peer review process by top scientists from across the nation. (Editor's note: To learn more about CID and its programs, visit CID on the web at www.cid.wustl.edu.)
Prior to joining CID, Nielsen was Executive Vice President of Research for the House Ear Institute in Los Angeles, which he joined in August 1986. From 1974 to 1986, he was director of Otological Research Laboratories for Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
Nielsen earned his Ph.D. and M.A. from Wayne State University in Detroit. He also holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati. He served as a postdoctoral fellow and research associate at the Communication Sciences Laboratory at University of Florida. From 1971 to 1973 he was an NIH Special Fellow, also at the University of Florida.
He has published numerous articles and has spoken at several national forums. He is active in the Society of Research Administrators, the Association of Independent Research Instittutes, and is Past President of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the New York Academy of Science and the National Center for NonProfit Boards.
Editor's notes: Dr. Nielsen can be reached at: 316 Cabin Grove Ln.
Creve Coeur, Mo 63141
(314) 469-0454 Office
(314) 579-0204 Home
nielsendon@aol.com
*U.S. News & World Report rates audiology programs every two years.
