Dr. Herman N. "Buck" Neilson
1985 Hall of Fame Inductee

Dr. Neilson became a legend a Hampton Institute during two periods on campus that spanned 43 years. He arrived at HI in 1930 with BS and MA degrees from touted Springfield College. He later earned an Ed.D from New York University. While serving his first 10 years at HI, "Buck" coached five teams and won CIAA championships in boxing, track, wrestling and basketball. The second time around, 33 years, Dr. Neilson compiled a fine record as football, basketball, and tennis coach and later became the athletic director and chairman of the department of physical education. He also made important contributions to improved academic standards.