
Biography and Background
“A New Voice—A New Vitality” describe Mary Ellen Nourse, Candidate for the Idaho House, District 17, Seat B.
Mary Ellen brings an enthusiastic, from-the-trenches approach to Idaho issues. Mary Ellen worked in Corrections in Idaho for 21 years as an Education Program Manager and Instructor. Mary Ellen has a strong background as an educator and holds a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Memphis. Prior to her retirement, Mary Ellen served 35 years full-time in education, including experience at the high school, community college, university, and graduate levels.
As semi-retirees, Mary Ellen and her husband Jim (a Vietnam veteran) live daily the challenges we Idahoans face at the gasoline pump, the doctor’s office, and the supermarket. Based on her years in Criminal Justice/Correction, Mary Ellen is especially concerned about gang activity and rising crime rates throughout our state
Mary Ellen and Jim are Catholic Christians and active members of their parish in Boise, where Mary Ellen is an assistant volunteer organist. The couple have been married for 27 years. Along with her music interests, Mary Ellen competes in Masters Track & Field meets and is an experienced public speaker and conference presenter. Mary Ellen is looking forward to using these skills to speak up for District 17 in the 2023 Idaho Legislature!
Mary Ellen and her husband Jim are Catholic Christians and active members of their parish in Boise, where Mary Ellen is an assistant volunteer organist. The couple have been married for 27 years.
As semi-retirees, Mary Ellen and Jim live daily the challenges that Idaho senior citizens face at the gasoline pump, the doctor’s office, and the supermarket. Jim is a Vietnam veteran and served in the Idaho National Guard for 23 years; Mary Ellen served in the volunteer Texas State Guard for two years when she lived in Nacogdoches, Texas.
A native Michigander, since relocating to Idaho in 1994, Mary Ellen enjoys the amenities of outdoor—and indoor– Idaho. She enjoys archery at the Boise Parks & Rec Range, and she and her husband Jim enjoy RV-camping in Idaho. Although the couple don’t hunt or fish, Mary Ellen and Jim are supportive of these outdoor sports. Mary Ellen looks forward to the Idaho Senior Games every summer, competing in Track & Field, representing the Boise Life Runners. Mary Ellen and Jim are avid fans of the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, and Boise State University sports teams.
Mary Ellen comes from a strong background in the field of education. After 41 years as an educator, she retired in January, 2021. Mary Ellen has taught at the high school, community college, undergraduate, and graduate levels. She was an Instructor at Northern Michigan University, a Doctoral Teaching Assistant and Instructor at the University of Memphis, and an Assistant Professor at Stephen F. Austin State University. Mary Ellen has been a presenter at state, regional, and national conferences. She’s currently a member of the American Educational Research Association, National Catholic Educational Association, and National Coalition of Independent Scholars.
Mary Ellen holds a Bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University, a Master of Science degree from Northern Michigan University, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Memphis. Mary Ellen completed postdoctoral coursework in Career and Technical Education Administration through the University of Idaho/Boise Center. She holds an Idaho Professional-Technical Administrator, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, and Standard Teaching Certificate with Endorsements in Communication and Economics.
Along with her music interests, Mary Ellen competes in Masters Track & Field meets. She’s also a member of the Idaho Civil War Volunteers.
Top 3 Issues
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Issue 3
Integrity in Affiliation
