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Thatcher's Funeral Home, Inc.

1520 North 5th Street

Kansas City, Kansas

UPCOMING SERVICE

Visitation

Aug. 9, 2025

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Thatcher's Funeral Chapel

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Nolen Ellison Obituary

On June 12, 2025, our husband and father, Dr. Nolen M. Ellison was called to be with The Lord.
Nolen was born on January 26, 1941, in Kansas City, Kansas as the youngest son of Benoyd and Margaret (Soto) Myers. Later, Margaret married Tavern Ellison, who adopted Nolen and his older brother, Benoyd (aka Butch), giving them the Ellison name.
Nolen's life was filled with significant accomplishments starting with academic and athletic excellence at Wyandotte High School (KS) where he was among the first African-American students to integrate the high school. His academic and athletic successes continued at the University of Kansas (Class of '63) where he earned a scholarship and was a 3-year letterman for the Jayhawk basketball team.
Along with his brother Butch, the two were the first African-American brothers to play together on a Big Eight basketball team. One of Nolen's proudest and biggest moments on the court was when he played nearly every minute of a four-overtime victory against rival K-State in the 1962 Big Eight Holiday Tournament Championship game. He either scored or assisted on the Jayhawk's final points at the end of each OT. Nolen was eventually drafted by the Baltimore Bullets of the NBA, but his love for Carole, his Jr. High sweetheart, and his desire to make a positive impact on the community and educational field, took his life in a different direction.
Nolen and Carole (maiden name Arnold), also a KU alum Class of '63, wed in December of 1962 in Kansas City, KS and started a family that eventually included Marc (KU Class of '85) and Steven (KU Class of '89).
Nolen's educational career led him to Michigan State University where he earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in Leadership, Sociology, and Urban Development and eventually to Seattle Central Community College where he was hired as President. At the age of 31, he became the youngest chief executive officer of a higher education institution in the state of Washington and one of youngest in the United States.
Two years later in 1974, Nolen was recognized as one of the "Ten Outstanding Young Men of America" along with individuals who would go on the become, among other things, an Astronaut, a Governor and the 46th President of the United States (Joe Biden).
Later that year, he followed up the Seattle position with an outstanding 20-year career as the 2nd President of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Cleveland, Ohio. Tri-C was the largest community college in the state, where he oversaw three urban campuses. Two of his distinguished highlights at Tri-C included the development of the Unified Technology Center, which bears his name, and the creation of the Tri-C JazzFest both of which are going strong 40+ years later.
Other career achievements include serving as the Endowed Chair Missouri Schutte Professor of Urban Affairs at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Founder of The Seed Center, a Kansas City based initiative aimed at empowering communities and Chair of NME Associates. Throughout his life and career, Nolen played a vital role in various civic and philanthropic initiatives, while also serving on the Board of Directors for numerous educational institutions, public companies and private organizations.
Nolen is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carole (M.A., PhD), sons Marc (Ann) and Steven (Diane), four grandchildren Matthew (Trisha), Lauren (Travis), Kristen and Kathryn (Dominic) and two great-grandchildren - Zoey and Avery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation by designating a gift to the Dr. Nolen M. Ellison Scholarship Fund.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Thatcher's Funeral Home, Kansas City, KS. The service will also have a live video stream for those who cannot attend in person. (www.thatcherfuneralhome.com).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Cleveland.com from Jul. 4 to Jul. 9, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Nolen Ellison

Aug

9

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Thatcher's Funeral Chapel

1520 North 5th Street, Kansas City, KS 66101

Aug

9

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Thatcher's Funeral Chapel

1520 North 5th Street, Kansas City, KS 66101

Funeral services provided by:

Thatcher's Funeral Home, Inc.

1520 North 5th Street, Kansas City, KS 66101

Memories and Condolences
for Nolen Ellison

Sponsored by The Family.

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9 Entries

Bush´s

July 12, 2025

Rochelle McKenzie

July 10, 2025

Most sincere condolences to the Ellison family. Dr. Ellison came to the gymnasium at CCC Eastern Campus and worked out with the women's basketball team. He shared his love for the game and encouraged each of us to strive to be our best in the classroom first, then on the court. His kind words and generous support will always be cherished! Sincerely, Coach McKenzie

Stanley Sample

July 9, 2025

Hi Ellison Family,
Sorry for your loss, may god smile on you.
Stanley Sample
Accountant Tutor

Thomas T. and Susan E. Cunningham

July 7, 2025

Although Dr. Nolen Ellison's tenure as President, at Seattle Community College Central Campus was only two years, it was great to visit with a former Wyandotte HS Alum and his wife.

Susan Stone

July 5, 2025

Dr. Ellison was a strong leader with high values for those whose lives he touched....especially mine, along with others. I am grateful for his presence in my career at CCC. Soon after I left the college, he was in town. While having lunch with several of my friends from the college, he came by. When I mentioned that I was no longer at the college, he planted a kiss on my forehead with wise words of encouragement. He was a gem of a leader and educator.

Robin Rosner

July 5, 2025

Never met him personally but saw him traipsing through the halls at Eastern campus as I was a student there...and ultimately graduated. I went on to Kent, but it is the memories there at CCC that stay with me, including friendships with several of my instructors that remain beloved, and who taught me much. Bless them all, and may warm memories bring comfort to his family and friends. One of the good guys to be sure.

Wanda & Roy Whitmore (both retirees of Tri-C)

July 5, 2025

On November 14, 1983, this single mother raising two children walked into the President's office of Cuyahoga Community College after being hired by Dr. Nolen M. Ellison as Administrative Secretary. His belief in my ability to join his team led to my 28-year tenure in that office. After he left the college, we remained in contact via email, phone and text. I remember with smiles the day he announced to an audience in the Board Room my upcoming marriage to my husband, Roy. We met at the College. It was a secret until he told "the world!" I recall the blue index cards that always contained assignments (large and small) that accompanied documents and letters that he "farmed out". He was a visionary whose fingerprints will remain on the structures throughout the College. I not only value him as my first boss at the College, but also the friendship that continued 35 years after his departure from Tri-C. We extend our deepest condolences to the Ellison family. I will always remember him with fond memories. I know that he will continue to talk about the Blueprint for Excellence and everyone will continue to listen.

james loving

July 5, 2025

my brother played on 2 state championships [59 and 60] with nolen and also at ku. Sorry to hear of Nolens passing he was a great player.

Paul M Stonestreet

July 4, 2025

My brothers and I played pickup basketball with Nolen & Butch at Central grade school. Nolen was a couple of years older than me. I watched him play basketball while I was at Wyandotte. He was a great guy.

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