Born in Kentucky, William Nelson graduated from Howard University in 1920 and Yale University in 1924. He also studied at the University of Paris from 1921 to 1922, the University of Berlin from 1922 to 1923, and the University of Marburg, Germany, in 1923 and from 1925 to 1926. In 1925 he became a professor of religion at Howard University, and in 1929 he took on the positions of associate professor of philosophy and Assistant to the University President until 1931. He became president of Shaw University and later president of Dillard University.

Source:
Who’s Who in Colored America . Ed. Thomas Yenser. 5 th ed. Thomas Yenser: New York, 1940. pg. 389.