Huggins Msimanga, a professor of chemistry at Kennesaw State University (KSU), has retired after 37 years at the institution. Known for his hands-on teaching style, Msimanga would begin his analytical chemistry classes by presenting a rock to students and prompting them to analyze its properties, setting the tone for applying scientific principles in real-world contexts.
“All of my lessons have been about application of what we learn – applying it to this class, to other classes the students may take, and if they go on to careers in chemistry, the lessons apply to those as well,” Msimanga said. “What instruments should we use? What are our expectations? What can we observe? Analytical chemistry exposes students to those kinds of things.”
Msimanga emphasized that research and teaching were inseparable in his laboratory. “In my laboratory we created research projects on things we use every day because analysis principles apply to everything,” he explained. “All these projects required computers, software, and data instruments, and the university made sure we had what we needed.”
Originally from Zimbabwe, Msimanga joined KSU in 1988 after earning his doctorate from Georgia Tech. Over his career, he taught courses ranging from introductory chemistry to advanced forensic analytical chemistry and mentored students in research and manuscript writing. He published several articles and delivered numerous presentations with both students and colleagues.
Chris Dockery, a fellow professor of chemistry at KSU who worked closely with Msimanga for two decades, highlighted their collaboration on various projects including work with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in 2008. “For two decades, we shared a research laboratory, collaborating often on projects and exchanging ideas about teaching and mentorship,” Dockery said. “In 2008, we were invited to assist the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in validating the chemistry examination administered to applicants for chemistry and toxicology scientist positions, work that underscored the program’s growing reputation and Huggins’s expertise.
“On a personal note, Huggins is one of the kindest colleagues I have known, always ready with a smile, a warm greeting, and genuine support. His contributions to our department, the college, and the university are immeasurable, and his retirement leaves a void that will be deeply felt by the campus community.”
Kai Shen became chair of KSU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry this fall but quickly recognized Msimanga’s influence on both faculty and students. Shen noted that Msimanga played a key role in developing KSU’s analytical chemistry curriculum. “It is very clear how deeply he has shaped our department over his 37 years at KSU,” Shen said. “He built the core of our analytical chemistry curriculum and helped position KSU as a place where students gain not only strong theoretical foundations but also the hands-on, real-world skills that prepare them for graduate school, professional schools, and the laboratory workforce.”
Reflecting on changes during his tenure at KSU—including significant growth in student enrollment—Msimanga pointed out increased interdisciplinary collaboration within the College of Science and Mathematics as an important development leading to more sophisticated undergraduate research.
“The recent publications, well-collaborated by scientists of different disciplines, have attracted more readers and more visibility than my individual papers earlier in my career,” he said. “I can’t apply analytical chemistry in isolation from other disciplines, which is a good thing.”
Looking ahead to retirement with his wife Ntombiyomusa Doris—also a Georgia Tech graduate—their children and grandchildren remain central priorities for Msimanga.
“My memory is still sharp so 37 years feels like a short space of time,” he said. “I hadn’t planned on being here that long but I got accustomed to it interacting with different student and faculty personalities—and that variation kept me on my toes. I liked it.”
