Blake joined the Syracuse University faculty in 1936 as an instructor. After serving as an assistant and associate professor he became a full professor in 1950. He was named Maxwell Professor in 1971, a title given to distinguished teachers in the school. He retired from SU in December 1973 after 37 years of service.

Researchers interested in the Nelson Blake Papers should mention the collection's Record Group [13] and accession number [1811] when contacting the Syracuse University Archives. Please note that the collection is housed off-site and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Archives Reading Room in Bird Library.