Dr. David Ziegler, Professor of Chemistry, has retired from full-time teaching after celebrating 35 years of service to Hannibal-LaGrange University. In addition to serving as a chemistry professor for over 30 years, Dr. Ziegler has also taught classes in physical science, astronomy, and earth science. He will be staying on in a part-time capacity in the science department.
“Dr. Ziegler has played an integral role in the academic integrity of Hannibal-LaGrange for many years,” said Clay Biggs, Chair of the Exercise Science Department and Athletic Director. “His academic prowess and dedication in the classroom have helped prepare many of our students for personal and career effectiveness. Dr. Ziegler’s full-time presence on campus will be missed by our faculty, staff, and students but we are very pleased that he will still be in the classroom on a limited basis.”
Dr. Ziegler received his Bachelor of Science in math and chemistry from Carson-Newman College and a PhD in Chemistry from Purdue University. Before starting his career at Hannibal-LaGrange University, Dr. Ziegler held post-doctoral appointments at Arizona State and Princeton.
“I really enjoy working with the students here,” Dr. Ziegler says. “The classes at HLGU are small enough that students really get to interact with the faculty on a level that isn’t available at many universities. As a professor, it is a pleasure to get to know my students and help them achieve their goals here at HLGU.”
Along with teaching with excellency, Dr. Ziegler is a member of the American Chemical Society and has published several articles over the years.
Shelby Maddox, a 2022 Secondary Education Biology student recounts how, “He always taught us to be exploratory learners and constantly gave us real life examples of chemistry in our everyday life, including when he took time out of class to explain to us the science behind a sonic boom. I enjoyed my time learning from him and remember cramming for his finals fondly.”
Outside the classroom, Dr. Ziegler enjoys traveling the nation and around the world with his wife. Their travels regularly include camping, hiking, and visiting their children and grandchildren. He also enjoys reading books on topics from mysteries and historical fiction to popular writing in the sciences.
Hannibal-LaGrange University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The institution prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.