David E. Wigley
David E. Wigley
B.A. Agronomy, 1977
B.A. Chemistry, 1979
College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Executive Advisory Board
“My favorite memories at Mississippi State University all center on time spent with friends and fellow students. I have fond memories of those football games shared with friends! However, one academic moment stands out: achieving a breakthrough during my chemistry research in Professor Grimley’s laboratory,” said Wigley. “Though relatively modest, that discovery unexpectedly earned the respect of my fellow research students and advisor, and more importantly, it profoundly shaped my ambition to pursue a career in chemical research.”
“The reputation of the university and the College of Arts and Sciences for delivering a
world-class educational experience, as well as family connections to MSU, led me to
MSU and the chemistry department,” said Wigley.
Upon completing his undergraduate chemistry degree at MSU, Wigley earned his Ph.D. in chemistry at Purdue University. He then studied as a postdoctoral associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the pursuit of an academic position. His MIT postdoc led to Wigley earning a NATO postdoctoral fellowship at Oxford University.
Wigley then took a position as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Arizona, eventually earning the rank of full professor. After 15 years of working in the Department of Chemistry, Wigley pursued a degree in law at the University of Arizona. After his graduation, he accepted a position in intellectual property law in Atlanta, where he currently is a partner in the Intellectual Property Group at Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP.
In his free time, Wigley enjoys golfing as well as shooting sports with family and friends, activities he said he plans “to get very good at once retired,” laughed Wigley.
When asked what advice he would give to today’s MSU students, Wigley said, “To paraphrase a mentor, my advice would be, ‘Be where your feet are!’ Every day, take advantage of where you are right now. Seize every opportunity, seek new experiences, build lifelong relationships, and pursue a mission greater than yourself. At the same time, be humble and kind. If you do this, you will look back on your time at State with a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.”