Drake Nelson - Coordinator of Administrative & Business Operations - Staff Directory

Staff Directory

Drake Nelson

Drake Nelson was appointed as the Coordinator of Administrative and Business Operations at the University of Tulsa in March 2025.
Nelson brings a dynamic blend of legal acumen and strategic business experience to support the department’s fiscal and operational functions.
In this role, he assists in managing financial, contractual, administrative, and internal functions, ensuring the department runs efficiently and is in alignment with its goals.
Prior to joining Tulsa Athletics, Nelson spent two years as an associate attorney in Dallas, Texas, where he played a key role in high-value transactions and strategic partnerships.
He negotiated licensing agreements with premier sports organizations such as the Dallas Stars, Dallas Cowboys, MLS, and Boston Bruins.
Nelson is a licensed attorney in Texas, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.
He earned a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Oklahoma, where he was also a collegiate rugby athlete.
He has a husky named Nala who loves going on long runs.