Faye Alexander Nelson has been named vice president for governmental and community affairs at Wayne State University.

Nelson, a resident of Troy, had been vice president for governmental affairs since joining the university in 1996. In that capacity, she was responsible for WSU's relations with federal and state legislative representatives.

Under the recent administrative reorganization by President Irvin Reid, Nelson now adds to her duties the responsibility for county and city political affairs, as well as enhancement of WSU's alliance with civic, community and neighborhood organizations.

"My new duties represent an enhancement to the federal and state affairs responsibilities that remain part of my current portfolio," Nelson said. "It is extremely important for the university to raise its visibility before all of its publics, which include government; civic and community groups; and individuals."

"Wayne State's research, teaching and service mission provides a wonderful story to convey. I am very pleased to be part of the university team that has been selected to share this information and to work with administrators and staff to build upon our current contributions to the community."

Nelson holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Mercy College of Detroit (1975) and a law degree from the University of Detroit (1980), where she later taught as an adjunct professor of law.

She joined Kmart Corp. in 1981 and was a corporate attorney until 1989, when she was assigned to direct federal affairs. In 1994 she was named director of governmental affairs.

A lifetime member of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference, she serves on the boards of the University Cultural Center Association and HAVEN (Help Against Violent Encounters Now). She also is a Leadership Detroit XIII graduate; a Girl Scouts of America volunteer; and holds memberships in federal, state and local bar associations.

She and her husband, Albert Taylor Nelson Jr., a senior partner at the law firm of Kemp, Klein, Umphrey and Endelman, have four daughters.