After 46 years as a chemistry professor, Dr. Alex Nisbet is stepping in to the world of retirement.
Since coming to Ouachita in 1963, Nisbet has taught numerous chemistry classes as well as sections of Physical Science, “for those who hate science,” he said.
West Texas native, Nisbet was not exposed to Ouachita as a prospective student.
When a chemistry department position opened in the fall of 1962, Dr. Wayne Everett was assigned to interview people for the job.
Everett chose a Regional American Chemical Society meeting as the search location for potential candidates.
Is fate would have it, Nisbet was in attendance at that particular meeting.
“When I met Wayne, I met Ouachita,” Nisbet said.
Nisbet interviewed for the position in January 1963 and started teaching the following fall.
One of his fondest memories of coming to Ouachita took place in January 1964.
“It was a frosty January that year,” Nisbet said. “There was a pond that had frozen over in the ravine and little kids were skating on it. I slipped and fell on my rear end three times that day.”
Even after teaching here for 46 years, Nisbet is still not finished learning.
“When I retire, I’m going to catch up on my readings,” he said, sitting at his desk which is engulfed in stacks upon stacks of books and magazines. “[My bookshelves] are packed with books that date back to my pre-Ouachita days.”
He also hopes to catch up on some old pastimes and hobbies.
“One thing I’d like to do is continue with my music,” Nisbet said. “I play the cello, organ and piano, as well as compose.”
Dr. Joe Jeffers, dean of natural sciences, was a sophomore at Ouachita when Nisbet started working, but did not have Nisbet as a professor until he was a junior.
“He was demanding as a professor,” Jeffers said. “He gave exams during lab time, so he was able to ask more thought provoking questions. I give my exams during labs now too, because I liked his way of teaching.”
Jeffers appreciates Nisbet’s willingness to help whenever needed.
“He’s leaving behind 46 years of timeless effort on behalf of students and staff,” Jeffers said. “He’s always willing to go the extra mile to help anyone with anything.”
Dr. Nisbet is known by colleagues to be the “resident punster”
“We can always expect on Mondays to hear ‘OHIM’ (Oh Heck It’s Monday) and TGIF every Friday,” Jeffers said.
On a more serious note, Jeffers compares his learning from Nisbet in a classroom with what he learns daily as his colleague.
“I learned more from him as a student, not only in the subject he was teaching, but pedagogically as well,” Jeffers said. “He had a very positive impact on my own teaching skills and routine because of what I observed in his classroom setting as a student.”
Nisbet has thoroughly enjoyed his years here at Ouachita and appreciates his time with other campus faculty and staff.
“I work with great people and there is always something fun to do at work,” Nisbet said. “And the pay is adequate, too.”
