Nolen M. Ellison

On June 12, 2025, our husband and father, Dr. Nolen M. Ellison was called to be with The Lord.

Nolen was born on January 26, 1941 in Kansas City, Kansas as the youngest son of Benoyd and Margaret (Soto) Myers. They also had an older son, Benoyd (aka Butch) Ellison. Although the family came from humble beginnings, Margaret’s hard work, dedication to her boys and determination for a better life were key to Nolen and Butch becoming successful men. Later, Margaret married Tavern Ellison, who adopted both boys giving them the Ellison name.

Nolen’s life was filled with significant accomplishments starting with academic and athletic excellence at Wyandotte High School (KS) where he was among the first African-American students to be integrated into Wyandotte after the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education case. His academic and athletic successes continued at the University of Kansas (Class of ’63) where he earned a scholarship and was a 3-year letterman for the Jayhawk basketball team.

Along with his brother Butch, the two were the first African-American brothers to play together on a Big Eight basketball team. One of Nolen’s proudest and biggest moments on the court was when he played nearly every minute of a four-overtime victory against rival Kansas-State in the 1962 Big Eight Holiday Tournament Championship game. He either scored or assisted on the Jayhawk’s final points at the end of each OT. Nolen was eventually drafted by the Baltimore Bullets of the NBA, but his love for Carole, his Jr. High sweetheart, and his desire to make a positive impact on the community and educational field, took his life in a different direction.

Nolen and Carole (maiden name Arnold), also a KU alum Class of ’63, wed in December of 1962 in Kansas City, KS and started a family that eventually included Marc (KU Class of ’85) and Steven (KU Class of ’89).

Nolen’s educational career led him to Michigan State University where he earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in Leadership, Sociology, and Urban Development and eventually to Seattle Central Community College where he was hired as President. At the age of 31, he became the youngest chief executive officer of a higher education institution in the state of Washington and one of youngest in the United States.

Two years later in 1974, Nolen was recognized as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Men of America” along with individuals who would go on the become, among other things, an Astronaut, a Governor and the 46th President of the United States (Joe Biden).

Later that year, he followed up the Seattle position with an outstanding 20-year career as the 2nd President of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Cleveland, Ohio. Tri-C was the largest community college in the state, where he oversaw three urban campuses. Two of his many distinguished highlights at Tri-C included the development of the Unified Technology Center (now called the Manufacturing Technology Center), which bears his name, and the creation of the Tri-C JazzFest – both of which are going strong 40+ years later.

Other career achievements include serving as the Endowed Chair – Missouri Schutte Professor of Urban Affairs at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Henry W. Block School of Management, Founder of The Seed Center, a Kansas City based initiative aimed at empowering communities and Founder/Chair of NME Associates. Throughout his life and career, Nolen played a vital role in various civic and philanthropic initiatives, while also serving on the Board of Directors for numerous educational institutions, public companies and private organizations.

Nolen is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carole (M.A., PhD), sons Marc (Ann) and Steven (Diane), four grandchildren – Matthew (Trisha), Lauren (Travis), Kristen and Kathryn (Dominic) and two great-grandchildren - Zoey and Avery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation by designating a gift to the Dr. Nolen M. Ellison Scholarship Fund.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Thatcher’s Funeral Home, 1520 N. 5th Street, Kansas City, KS 66101. (Visitation: 10:00AM – 11:00AM; Service: 11:00AM – 12:00PM Central Time.) The service will also have a live video stream for those who cannot attend in person. (www.thatcherfuneralhome.com)

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