Former Outstanding Professor Glenn Nagel Dead at 59

from Dateline (June 19, 2003)

Glenn Nagel

Glenn Nagel, emeritus professor of chemistry and biochemistry, who helped establish the university’s biochemistry program during his 24-year tenure with Cal State Fullerton, died of cancer May 21. He was 59.

In 1972 – while completing postdoctoral work at UC Berkeley – Nagel was recruited to join Fullerton’s Chemistry Department. With Bruce Weber, Nagel helped the biochemistry program grow, eventually seeing the department renamed to Chemistry and Biochemistry.

During his years at Fullerton, he served as department chair and associate dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and in 1987, was named CSUF Outstanding Professor. His contributions to teaching, science and student research were evidenced by the major National Science Foundation grants he garnered, his collaborative work with colleagues such as Maria Linder, and his effort as a major proponent of involving undergraduate students in research. He authored the first successful grant for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, an important component of student research efforts since 1993.

According to his colleagues, Nagel always saw science as part of a larger life experience, and it was not unknown for there to be wine tasting and Mozart in the analytical ultracentrifuge room on Friday afternoons.

In 1996, he retired from Cal State Fullerton but not from higher education, becoming dean of Cal State Long Beach’s College of Natural Science and Mathematics.

Linder was one of three persons who delivered a eulogy at services held June 2 in Long Beach.

A scholarship fund has been established in his honor. Contributions to the Glen Nagel Fullerton Undergraduate Research Fund may be sent to University Advancement Foundation, account number 70246.

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