Craig T. Nelson and Doria Cook-Nelson are establishing an endowment to support scholarships for undergraduate students in the School of Theatre, Film & Television at the University of Arizona.
The Craig T. Nelson and Doria Cook-Nelson Scholarship Endowment, established with an initial gift of $100,000, along with a significant seven-figure estate commitment, is intended to support undergraduates with demonstrated financial need in their junior or senior year, enrolled full-time at TFTV. The donors are targeting their support towards first generation college students, students who are married and/or students with children.
“Craig T. and Doria’s generosity and deep commitment to our students exemplifies the true spirit of giving back,” said Andy Schulz, vice president for the arts and dean of the College of Fine Arts. “This scholarship endowment will have a profound impact, ensuring that talented, hardworking students—especially those balancing education with family responsibilities—have the support they need to pursue their artistic dreams. We are incredibly grateful to Craig T. and Doria Cook-Nelson for their dedication to the next generation of storytellers.”
The Craig T. Nelson Stage
In February of 2024, the College of Fine Arts, thanks to generous donors, renovated the Marroney Theatre and announced that an anonymous donor had provided specific support to rename the stage in honor of one of the university’s most beloved alumni, Mr. Nelson.
Later that spring, Nelson gave the keynote address in Arizona Stadium for the university’s graduation ceremony, where he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts.
“The University of Arizona gave me the foundation to build a career doing what I love,” said Nelson. “Doria and I want to support students who have the passion and dedication to pursue their dreams but may need financial assistance to do so. We hope this endowment makes a meaningful difference and allows students to build careers that they love.”
An Incredible Wildcat Journey
Originally from Spokane, Washington, Nelson drove his 1956 Studebaker from Spokane to Tucson in the fall of 1965 to attend the University of Arizona on a drama scholarship. He attended the university for the next four years.
Much of Nelson’s time was spent learning from Peter R. Marroney, who led the university’s theater department for 36 years, and for whom the university’s Marroney Theatre is named. Nelson credits his time working with Marroney for much of his career success.
Nelson left the university in 1969, before completing his degree, to accept a professional acting opportunity in Hollywood. He went on to establish a six-decade career that has made him one of the most recognizable figures in American film and television.
Nelson has maintained his ties to the university’s School of Theatre, Film and Television. In 2018, he returned to Tucson to meet with students and take part in the launch of the public phase of a fundraising campaign to renovate Marroney Theatre.
Craig T. Nelson Bio
Craig T. Nelson, Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, director and producer, boasts a career spanning television, film and stage. Nelson has strong ties to the University of Arizona, where he studied and honed his craft. Most recently he guest-starred for five seasons in the CBS show “Young Sheldon” as ‘Dale Ballard,’ ‘Meemaw’s (Annie Potts) love interest and now reprises his role in the spin off, “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” Nelson’s career highlights include his iconic role as ‘Hayden Fox’ in “Coach,” which garnered him multiple Emmy nominations and a prestigious win. He showcased his talent on Broadway in “Ah, Wilderness!” and left an indelible mark as ‘Zeek Braverman’ in “Parenthood.” His film credits include “The Incredibles,” “Poltergeist,” “The Proposal,” “Book Club,” “The Family Stone,” “I’m Not Rapport,” “Silkwood,” and “Osterman Weekend.” He and his wife, Doria, reside in Los Angeles.