Professor of Biology
What excites me the most about teaching at Transylvania is the students and the size of the classes. I am able to get to know each of the students individually by name and know their backgrounds and where they’re coming from. I’m constantly amazed by what they bring to the class. I learn from them as much as they learn from me.
James Wagner
Professor of Biology
and Bingham Endowed Chair
About James Wagner’s Work
James Wagner is a professor of biology and program director. Before coming to Transylvania 30 years ago, he earned a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky, a master’s from the University of Maryland and his bachelor’s from the University of South Florida. “Wagner is a professor who cares deeply about his students’ learning, and students reciprocate and appreciate his efforts,” according to the Bingham endowed chair selection committee.
“So my philosophy on teaching is that I’m committed to hearing the students and hearing the voice of the students,” Wagner said. “And I do that through basically calling on every student every day in my class. If I create an environment where I call on every student every day and make it so that they’re comfortable speaking, then I hear from every student, which is critically important to me.”
Wagner, who engages students in interesting research, specializes in subjects like ecology, evolution and invertebrate zoology.
“One of the things that I enjoy most about Transylvania University is the interactions and the relationships I have with students here at the university. I get to see them as first-year students all the way up to seniors. I see the intellectual journey. It’s exciting to watch them grow and be able to be there when they get to the next stage of their life.”
