鈥淐oach Biggs understands HLG鈥檚 athletic programs provide a platform for advancing the university鈥檚 mission by developing a Christ-honoring environment for students, student-athletes, coaches, families, and fans,鈥� said HLGU Transitional President Dr. Rodney Harrison

Biggs has served as the division chair of exercise and sports science since 2015 but has been an instructor/assistant professor in the program since 2002.聽He has been part of the HLGU community for 20 years, and in 2021 was awarded the Parkway Distinguished Professor Award for his substantial contributions to Christian higher education at HLGU.

“I am excited about the future of athletics at Hannibal-Lagrange University,鈥� Biggs said. 鈥淚 am a big believer in Christian higher education and the impact it has on the welfare of our culture. Athletics at HLGU has a rich history of enhancing the college experience for our students and campus community. I am so grateful to get to work alongside the coaching staff we currently have in place, many of whom I have known for many years.”

Biggs was hired as the baseball coach in 2002 and continued in that role through 2015. According to the records, Biggs accumulated over 240 wins during his tenure.聽He helped start the cross-country program as the first head coach and served in that role from 2002 through 2005. During his time at HLGU, Biggs has taken on many other leadership roles including the American Midwest Conference Baseball Chair, Higher Learning Commission site visit Criterion Chair, and most recently the chair of a committee that revised the general education requirements for all majors.

Biggs received his undergraduate degree from Truman State in 2000 and continued his education in Kirksville, completing his master鈥檚 degree in exercise science in 2002. Biggs also holds certifications in personal training and strength and conditioning. In 2013, he was chosen by the American Midwest Conference as the Coach of Character. Biggs also achieved the status of Colson Fellow in 2021 by completing the Colson Fellows Program that educates people of strong faith with relevant skills, biblical knowledge, and a solid Christian worldview.

“Over the last 20 years, Clay聽has established himself as a proven leader here at HLGU,鈥� said Executive Vice President and Academic Dean, Dr. Robert Matz. 鈥淚n both the classroom and on the playing field, Biggs has modeled the Christian character, servant-oriented leadership, and the student-focused attitude that helps to make HLGU such a unique university. In Biggs, our athletic department, student-athletes, coaches, and sports teams are in capable hands in this season of transition.”

The Colson Fellows Program equips Christians with a robust Christian worldview so they can thoughtfully engage with post-Christian culture, inspire reflection in others, and work effectively toward re-shaping the world in the light of God鈥檚 kingdom.

The University is happy to commission Dr. Eric Turner, Dr. Miles Mullin, Dr. Larinee Dennis and Mr. Clay Biggs as the University鈥檚 first Colson fellows.

These four individuals each put in approximately 500 total hours of work to become Colson fellows. This included 3,500 pages of reading, 130 hours of daily study, 40 hours of webinar and video learning and 50 hours of meetings.

Director of the Center of Christian Worldview Dr. Miles Mullin says the eventual hope for the Colson program at HLGU is that all full-time faculty and director-level staff members have the opportunity to become Colson fellows. A second cohort is currently in progress with a third beginning next month.

The HLGU Center for Christian Worldview exists to help equip the faculty and staff of 番茄社区 University with a Christian Worldview and to promote a Christian worldview across campus among faculty, staff, and students.