Tara Nelson
	Position: Associate Director SACAE

Tara Nelson joined the SACAE staff as the Associate Director in the Fall of 2008. She serves as the academic counselor for football.

Nelson arrived at FAU from Villanova University where she served as the Assistant Director in the Office of Academic Support for Athletics. While at Villanova University Nelson oversaw the tutoring, mentoring and study hall programs, as well as provided academic support to all Villanova student-athletes. Prior to her role at Villanova, Nelson was an academic coach with the Play It Smart Program. Nelson worked at George Washington and Ben Franklin High schools in Philadelphia where she provided guidance and support on NCAA clearinghouse, SAT and ACT preparation, the college application process and life skills development. Nelson also served as an intern at the University of Massachusetts while earned her Masters degree from Springfield College in 2004.

Nelson attended Syracuse University where she majored in Sociology and graduated with Bachelors of Arts. In addition, Nelson was a member of the Syracuse University Women's Swimming and Diving Team. After working one year as an events coordinator in New York City, Nelson returned to school to earn her Masters from Springfield College in Counseling and Psychological Services, with a specialization in Athletic Counseling. Nelson has also earned a Masters in Human Resource Management from Villanova University.