Celebrating the life of the inaugural CETL director who transformed how Georgia Tech teaches.
The Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering mourns the passing of David John McGill, professor emeritus in aerospace and civil engineering, a transformative educator, mentor, artist, and leader whose influence shaped generations of engineers and teachers. The inaugural director of Georgia Tech’s Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL), McGill passed away on February 10, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Born and raised in Louisiana, McGill was inspired by his father, Chambless McGill, COM 1928, a Georgia Tech alumnus who spent 70 years championing the value of his Tech education and praising the professors. His father’s words became the guiding force behind a career that touched so many lives.
David earned a degree in electrical engineering from Louisiana State University, a master’s in mathematics, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas.
He joined Georgia Tech in 1966 as an assistant professor of engineering mechanics in the Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM) program and was promoted to professor in 1976. Over three decades, he earned many Institute honors, including a 1968 Research Award, Outstanding Teacher Awards in 1974 and 1986, a Student Government Association Faculty Member of the Year Award in 1987, and a Georgia Tech Outstanding Service Award in 1989.
His commitment to high-quality instruction was nationally recognized in 1996 when the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching named him Georgia Professor of the Year. The prestigious award honors instructors who profoundly influence the lives and careers of their students.
McGill was widely known as “the teacher of professors.” His former mentee and colleague Laurence Jacobs, senior vice provost for education and learning, reflected on his profound influence. “Dave took his time with me and helped me understand how to teach, how to be an instructor… small things that ended up being incredibly impactful,” said Jacobs. “He taught me the importance of memorizing all my students’ names and to treat each student as an individual and show them that you’ve taken the time to respect them.”
Jacobs also shared that McGill always had a smile on his face and was the consummate gentleman, inspired by a deep commitment to strengthening teaching and approaching it as a more scientific, quantitative craft–always with a human touch.
McGill co‑authored two influential textbooks—“Statics” and “An Introduction to Dynamics”, co-written with fellow ESM Professor Wilton King. These works served as required foundational texts in Dynamics courses for more than 40 years and were valued for their clarity and technical excellence.
Beyond engineering, McGill was a talented artist. He used his illustrations in the classroom to clarify complex concepts, ever broadening his teacher’s toolbox.
“He never sacrificed rigor or accuracy, but he added a level of whimsy that made even the most challenging concepts less intimidating for students through his illustrations,” Jacobs shared.
As the first director of CETL, his leadership helped propel Georgia Tech’s culture of instructional excellence. He also established the CETL Perseverance Award recognizing students who graduated despite significant hardships.
“He started in what was basically an office and developed it into a world‑class center that’s now at the heart of teaching and learning at Georgia Tech,” said Jacobs.
McGill’s work contributed to Georgia Tech receiving the Theodore M. Hesburgh Award in 1999—the nation’s highest honor for faculty development in undergraduate teaching.
He retired in 1999. In retirement, he and his wife Carolyn McGill continued that spirit of service, creating five endowments supporting nursing, business, and education programs across several institutions—including Georgia Tech and multiple universities in Louisiana.
In 2024, McGill returned to visit CTL, reconnecting with the community he helped build.
Professor McGill
Professor McGill (left) with President Clough (right) when Georgia Tech received the Theodore M. Hesburgh Award in 1999.
McGill visited CTL in August 2024.
“CTL was delighted to host Dr. McGill and his family for lunch on August 1, 2024. During his visit, we learned about the founding of the center and his transition from serving as a College of Engineering faculty member to becoming the first director of CTL. Twelve years after founding the center, Dave and CETL received the prestigious Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Faculty Development to Enhance Undergraduate Teaching and Learning. Dave’s dedication to teaching and learning continues to shape the CTL mission and remains at the heart of our work today,” Laura Carruth, executive director of CTL, said.
McGill is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn of 64 years; his three children—Michael McGill, Gayle Demarest, and Meghan Root; eight grandchildren; and two great‑grandsons.