David Wissmann,
Professor of Sociology and Chair of Law
and Justice Studies

Wissmann, Professor of Sociology and Chair of Law and Justice Studies, spends his time balancing his career and family. Teaching statistics and research methods at Avila, and completing research in organ transplantation donation behavior, has earned Wissmann many accolades. He has received a variety of honors with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, including being selected as one of the 10 members of the Higher Learning Commission’s advisory team for training and education.

“I have also received the Avila Medal of Honor and the Avila Professor of the Year awards,” Wissmann said. “The two honors are very nice, however, what keeps me going are the comments and successes of Avila’s students. I want them to walk away from class with the skills to both read and create scholarly work.”

One of Wissmann’s favorite courses is an interdisciplinary look at the culture, animals and plants of a tropical setting – taught in a tropical setting. Past years have included taking a group of 25-30 students to Hawaii or the Bahamas. Wissmann teams up with fellow Avila professor Dr. Robert Powell to teach the course every other year.

“The course represents one part of balance for me, the teaching of an Avila course,” Wissmann said. “The other balance for me is my family. The most exciting part of this past year for me has been the transitions of my two children.”