Michaelann Nelson Participates in the USU Eastern Speaker Series

In Spring 2026, Michaelann Nelson presented as part of USU Eastern’s Speaker Series with “The Best Idea We Ever Had,” which was about national parks and Wallace Stegner, a writer that used his work to advocate for the environment. Michaelann chose these topics as a way of celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by highlighting some of America’s best ideas and contributions. 

Throughout her presentation, Michaelann focused on different art that was inspired by National Parks Conservation Association, highlighting artists such as Virginia Donaghe McClurg who Michaelann explains, “wrote a song called ‘Irrigation Ode’ that was sung by The Tabernacle Choir in Madison Square Garden to raise awareness about the need to protect Mesa Verde.” She also discussed how artists' efforts and campaigns have helped with the protection and preservation of lands like Yosemite National Park. During her lecture, Michaelann emphasized that different forms of art have been important in keeping national parks protected and argued that art can have a hand in changing the world.

Michael Harris, USU Eastern’s Assistant Librarian that started Price’s Speaker Series in 2022, said, “Michaelann aptly demonstrated the role that advocacy and campaigning played in ensuring the preservation of these lands.”

The Speaker Series was created as a way of promoting and showcasing work done by Eastern faculty while also providing opportunities for people to engage in discussions about complex issues and projects. Michael states, “It brings together the campus and surrounding community in a spirit of openness and thoughtfulness that I hope will continue for many years.” 

Michaelann spoke fondly of her experience, saying, “We had a great turn-out and audience for the event, and I think it’s a great celebration of the ideas that have helped define America and contributed to helping it live up to its ideals.”