This is part of a series of Q&As introducing faculty who have joined the College of Health Sciences for the 2023–24 academic year. Meet all of our new faculty members.

David Moxley

Associate director, MHA executive program
Assistant teaching professor, Department of Health Sciences

What classes are you teaching this semester?

During fall semesters, I am focused on advising our students in the Executive Master of Health Administration program who are completing their theses in preparation for a December graduation. My normal course teaching is usually in the spring and summer semesters.

Tell us about yourself. What is your background?

Originally I was a medical librarian, beginning in the mid-1990s. In 1995, I became the in-house research librarian for what was then known as the Medical Informatics Group. In 1997, I transitioned to the associate director role with our Executive MHA program — and have been with the program since then. I grew up in a small town of 600 people in the “Bootheel” of southeast Missouri. I came to Mizzou as a freshman in 1988, earning bachelor’s degrees in math and philosophy before completing my master’s degree in library and information science.

What brought you to Mizzou? To your field?

My father and others in my family were Mizzou alumni, so it was always on my radar. A good scholarship sealed the deal. I was a math nerd since junior high, so I entered college as a math major before falling in love with philosophy. I spent most of my bachelor’s degree years working at the boundaries of both, in things like symbolic logic and abstract geometries. My mother was a librarian, and I followed in her footsteps, happily discovering that library and information science was an excellent field for applying my strengths.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite part of my job is the relationships I develop with our executive students and alumni. These students are full-time, midcareer health professionals, many of whom are in the process of transitioning from bedside careers to leadership roles. Their dedication and willingness to undertake graduate school on top of their intense work, family and community demands is inspiring and humbling. After 25-plus years in my role, I am no less impressed with what they accomplish. The highlight of any day is the chance to catch up with alumni I remember fondly.

What has you excited for this semester?

Our MHA program moved over the summer to the College of Health Sciences. I could not be more excited to become part of the CHS family. Everyone has welcomed us with open arms and enthusiasm for the opportunities in front of us. I look forward to continuing to meet my new colleagues and exploring ways we can better serve our students and community.

What is a fun hobby or activity that you enjoy outside of work?

I’ve collected records since I was a kid in the 1970s, when LPs and 45s were the primary ways of listening to music. I have more than 5,000 LPs and add more all the time, though the resurgence in popularity of vinyl over the past 10 years has created more competition when shopping for the good stuff! Even so, it has been fun to watch a new generation of enthusiasts discover the joys of records.

Could you share a memorable moment from your time teaching?

I work with our executive students from before they begin our program through their graduation and beyond. Often I serve more as a counselor or sounding board than their professor. I have never been more touched than when I received my first Mother’s Day card from a cohort of our students 😊

What is your hidden talent?

I don’t know how hidden it is, at least from family and friends, but I make a mean fried chicken.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?

Assume the best and prepare for the worst. I have no idea where I first heard that, but it’s pretty sound advice.