Centenary Cornerstone- Dr. David Bieler

Shreveport has been a hub of the country’s historic oil and gas industry, and Centenary has long played a role in providing geologists for the local petroleum industry as well as national and international companies. The reputation of Centenary’s geology program has made it a sought-after major among incoming students. The success of the geology program is due in part to Dr. David Bieler.

Dr. Bieler joined the faculty at Centenary College in August of 1988 as an Assistant Professor of Geology. A staple in the Geology department for the past 33 years, he was promoted to Associate Professor of Geology in 1992 and recently has been named a full professor. He currently serves as the chair of the geology and physics departments and holds the Gus S. Wortham Chair of Engineering and Liberal Arts. With over a dozen publications and even more presentations to numerous professional organizations, Dr. Bieler has demonstrated a wealth of knowledge in his field.

In his professional summary, Dr. Bieler cites gravity and tectonic and metamorphic processes as research interests that he hopes to continue working on following his retirement from Centenary. He has maintained his membership of the Geological Society of America and the Shreveport Geological Society his entire career. Centenary students have benefited over the years from Dr. Bieler’s dedication to his field and his eagerness to share his knowledge with them. During his tenure at Centenary, he has seen the field expand exponentially from the initial use of computer programs in the oil and gas industry to the expectation that students will be proficient in the latest technology. “If one thing stands out about my 32 years at Centenary, it’s the almost continuous change,” Dr. Bieler notes.

For the past 33 years, Dr. Bieler has served as an adviser to first-year students. In his professional summary he states, “It remains one of my great joys to be able to help a young man or woman find a vision for their future regardless of the discipline.” He has served on various student organizations including Centenary’s Honor Court, Student Life Committee, and Interfraternity Council. Dr. Bieler has also traveled abroad with many first year and module students.

Dr. Bieler’s impact can also be seen outside of the classroom by his generous philanthropic support of the Gent’s Swimming team, student scholarships, and many special projects around campus.

"Dr. Bieler embodies all that Centenary is, and what the College stands for. He has been an integral part of the Centenary family for over 30 years and has touched the lives of hundreds of students through his commitment to academics and involvement with multiple facets of campus life. He has been a pillar not only in the Centenary community, but the Shreveport community as well. Dr. Bieler was key in molding me into the person I am today, and I am a better person for having been taught and mentored by him."

-J. Adam D'Aquin '08

In addition to his career at Centenary, Dr. Bieler is also known for his performances in Shreveport theatrical productions. He has performance credits as Professor Porter in Tarzan, Jacob Potiphar in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and many others. Dr. Bieler is also extremely active in his church community, having served on the vestry for Saint Mark’s as well as a search committee for a new Dean.

Shreveport, Centenary College, and the oil and gas industry have benefited greatly from the knowledge, dedication, and generosity of Dr. Bieler.