Wingate Bids Farewell to Two Beloved Science Professors

Drs. James Hall and Ed Mills retire after decades of transformative impact on the university's Chemistry and Biology programs.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:18pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring repeated images of scientific equipment like a microscope, beaker, and Erlenmeyer flask, conceptually representing the legacy of Wingate's retiring science professors.Wingate University's pioneering science professors leave an indelible mark on the school's Chemistry and Biology programs.Wingate Today

After a combined 80 years of service, Wingate University is preparing to bid farewell to two esteemed science professors, Dr. James Hall of the Chemistry Department and Dr. Ed Mills of the Biology Department, who are retiring at the end of the spring semester. Both professors have left an indelible mark on their respective programs, with Hall creating the Chemistry major and developing innovative coursework, while Mills expanded the Biology Department and conducted groundbreaking research on bird communication.

Why it matters

The retirements of Drs. Hall and Mills represent a significant transition for Wingate University, as the school loses two pillars of its science community who have shaped generations of students. Their departures highlight the importance of cultivating strong academic programs and fostering meaningful connections between faculty and students, which have been hallmarks of Wingate's success.

The details

Dr. James Hall, a Chemistry professor, spent 44 years at Wingate, creating the university's Chemistry major and developing 12 specialized courses. He also established 10 scholarships across multiple disciplines. Dr. Ed Mills, a Biology professor, spent 37 years transforming the Biology Department, expanding course offerings and research opportunities. Under his leadership, the number of Biology majors grew from 25 to 400.

  • Dr. Hall has been a professor at Wingate since 1984.
  • Dr. Mills has been a professor at Wingate since 1989.
  • Both professors will be retiring at the end of the spring 2026 semester.

The players

Dr. James Hall

A Chemistry professor at Wingate University who created the university's Chemistry major and developed 12 specialized courses for the program. He also established 10 scholarships across multiple disciplines.

Dr. Ed Mills

A Biology professor at Wingate University who spent 37 years transforming the Biology Department, expanding course offerings and research opportunities. Under his leadership, the number of Biology majors grew from 25 to 400.

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What they’re saying

“I've been doing what I've been dreaming of doing since seventh grade.”

— Dr. James Hall, Chemistry Professor

“It was fun to be a part of the change from that first year and to help the university grow.”

— Dr. Ed Mills, Biology Professor

“I'm thankful for the opportunity to teach—research comes second. And getting to know students and watching them become successful. Making friends with faculty has been rewarding.”

— Dr. Ed Mills, Biology Professor

What’s next

Wingate University is working to ensure a smooth transition as Drs. Hall and Mills depart, with the university preparing new faculty to continue their legacies within the Chemistry and Biology departments.

The takeaway

The retirements of Drs. Hall and Mills represent the end of an era at Wingate, as the university loses two pioneering professors who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields and the lives of countless students. Their departures highlight the importance of fostering strong academic programs and cultivating meaningful faculty-student relationships, which have been hallmarks of Wingate's success.