Bill Nettles, Ph.D. retired as chair of the physics department and associate dean of arts and sciences at Union University this year.
I just got word that he has passed.
In tribute, I would like to share some of the information from my recommendation for emeritus status for Dr. Nettles.
Dr. Nettles began his career in the Navy. It is important to note that he was part of Admiral Rickover’s “nuclear Navy” that was so strategic in the post-World War II period. Upon leaving the Navy, Dr. Nettles embarked upon a long teaching career at Mississippi College and Union University.
As a teacher, Dr. Nettles pioneered the use of various in-house texts for use by students of the department.
He also created a number of lab exercises. Nettles taught a wide variety of courses for students during his fifteen plus years at Union.
As the chair of his department, Nettles oversaw the addition of new courses in nuclear physics, water, and astrophysics. Perhaps most important, under Nettles’ leadership the department implemented a “studio physics” style of teaching in a collaborative atmosphere.
The department saw a number of its students go on to graduate work at Level 1 research universities. In a single year, the department saw graduates move to Purdue, the University of Miami, Florida State, UNC-Chapel Hill, the University of Illinois, and the University of Stony Brook (NY).
In addition to teaching, Dr. Nettles had a strong scholarly record.
He co-authored many scientific papers, some appearing in the Physics Review and the Journal of Physics. He also regularly presented papers at scientific meetings.
Dr. Nettles’ service to the institution was diverse. He worked home basketball games as a clock operator and scorekeeper.
Also, he was often involved in Scholars Weekend.
Bill led a GO trip to Africa. He housed students after the tornado. He was also involved in Union’s musical programs both as a performer and as a music camp guest artist.
In addition to what I wrote above, I have to add that I loved to compliment Bill on his spectacular head of hair, which was more full than those of men a third of his age, and his bow ties. He was always an enjoyable, energizing presence and surely made a difference in the lives of students, colleagues, and members of his church. I can also say that he gave me much needed support as the associate dean on a few occasions when I really needed his wisdom and knowledge.
May God bless Bill (a servant of Jesus Christ) and his family.
Written by Union University Dean Hunter Baker
Faculty | Department of Physics | Union University, a Christian College in Tennessee (uu.edu)
Bill Nettles
