Myrna Whigham

Myrna Schnegelberger Whigham was born December 6, 1943, on a farm near Rock Port, Missouri. Her biggest pleasure in life is her family and friends.

David Keith Whigham and Myrna were married in 1964. They have three children - Scott David, Leah Dawn, and Anya Nicol - all Iowa State graduates. Scott and his wife Sarah have two children, David Allen and Brooke Ann. Leah Whigham and husband Rick Grendell have one daughter, Anika Bree, and one son, Ethan Alexander. Anya has two daughters, Makaylah Nicol and Lauren Elizabeth. The children and their families are continuous sources of love and support.

Professionally, Myrna prefers to be known as a "science educator." Her funded projects and articles have dealt with gender and ethnic issues in math and science education, family math and science, and role models and career education. She has an active interest in international work, field experiences, and teaching and advising. Her professional career included public school and university teaching in the sciences and science methods, Women in Science and Engineering program, and Student Services in the Colleges of Engineering and Education. She was the first director of the Women in Science and Engineering Program at Iowa State University. She retired from ISU in 2001.

Myrna graduated from Rock Port, Missouri, High School in 1961, Northwest Missouri State in 1965 with a B.S. degree in biology and chemistry and an endorsement in secondary education, Iowa State University in 1971 with an MS degree in plant physiology and Iowa State University in 1985 with a Ph.D. in higher education.

Updated 2/28/2014