Southeast Missouri State University Professor recipient for 2024 Provost Faculty Excellence Award

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)- Dr. Dustin Siegel, a professor of biology in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at Southeast Missouri State University, is the recipient of the 2024 Provost Faculty Excellence Award.

The Provost Faculty Excellence Award honors distinguished faculty performance, evidenced by teaching, scholarly or creative activity, and professional service.

“Dr. Siegel’s dedication to his students and their educational pursuits is inspiring,” says Provost Dr. Mike Godard. “He not only teaches the concepts, but he also teaches his students to apply what they learn and invests in each of his students ensuring that they are set up for success.”

Siegel is a part of the Department of Biology and teaches a wide variety of courses, including animal physiology, vertebrate histology, and anatomy and physiology, while also conducting research. Siegel serves as an advisor for biomedical sciences and pre-medicine.

Chair of the Department of Biology Dr. Timothy Judd praises Siegel for the work he has done in the department, including developing online resources to complement his teaching, creating slide software for his courses, and aiding in the development of the histotechnology certification program.

Siegel is an active researcher, focusing his work on reproductive biology, comparative vertebrate anatomy, and herpetology. His work with reptiles and amphibians heavily involves students.

“Part of Southeast Missouri State University’s mission is to provide student-centered education and experiential learning,” said Dr. Judd. “Dr. Siegel has built a research program that directly contributes to this mission. He continues to mentor several students a year on various independent projects. These experiences are very valuable for the students and have greatly contributed to their success in seeking employment or pursuing graduate and professional school.”

Siegel has an extensive list of work published, including those with undergraduate and graduate student co-authors.

“Dr. Siegel’s active research program is an asset to the college and to the students involved,” said Tamela Randolph, dean of the College of STEM. “Students are able to research and present at national and international conferences and gain real hands-on experience in the biological field. His personal investment in our students sets his teaching apart.”

Siegel says his favorite part of teaching is what he learns from students. He points to his award for Angler of the Year in the Southern Illinois Kayak Club as an example. The only reason he was in that position was that a former student had taught him how to fish a jig.

“My students might not know anything regarding histology when they enroll in my courses,” Siegel said. “But chances are, they know a lot about something else that I’m completely ignorant of.”