Andrew Penland – Recipient of the MAA-SE Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Beginning College Mathematics Teacher
In just a handful of years Dr. Penland of Western Carolina University (WCU) has already established a teaching record that embodies both excellence and breadth. In the classroom he emphasizes participation, discovery, and inquiry. He is described as patient, encouraging, enthusiastic, and fun. He has actively participated in professional development both at WCU and externally, such as with Project NExT. He has done an outstanding job mentoring student research, leading to student conference presentations, and he coaches a variety of competitions such as the COMAP MCM, Putnam, Math Jeopardy, and the Kryptos Challenge. In his spare time (Yes, I am joking.) he has coached the Smoky Mountain High School Code Busters Team, and has led problem sessions for the Smoky Mountain Math Teachers’ Circle.
In their own words:
Peer observers: “He has a calm, respectful demeanor and demonstrated the best example of discovery-based learning that I have ever seen.” “I’ve never seen students so energized and comfortable working together”
Co-research mentor: “[He] was able to strike the perfect balance between depth and accessibility in the material he presented. The result of this endeavor was two student poster presentations at the JMM last month and a paper currently under review in a research journalx (with seven student coauthors).”
Students: “Dr. Penland’s interest in the course material and dedication to discussing relevant student interests are exceptional. Dr. Penland is always excited to teach, answers questions, and encourage collaboration.” “From my perspective, a great teacher should be patient, helpful, compassionate, knowledgeable about their subject, encouraging of creative thought, and desire the best for their students. I have had quite a bit of experience working with Dr. Penland and I can confidently say that he can accurately be described as great.”
Ratnasingham Shivaji – Recipient of the Southeastern Section Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics
Dr. Ratnasingham Shivaji (Shivaji) of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) has a truly remarkable record as a mathematician, teacher, and mentor. A highly regarded mathematician, he is an AMS Fellow with multiple NSF grants and more than 150 publications. In the classroom his lectures are brilliantly prepared and convey an “infectious enthusiasm” for mathematics and a desire to guide students towards the discovery of ideas. Several students refer to his board work, beautifully written with multiple colors, as a work of art. One former colleague admits to not asking Shivaji to be a substitute in his class, because he was afraid that his students would not want him back. As a mentor Shivaji is dedicated, compassionate, and inspiring. From new freshman to younger faculty and all levels in between. He has guided 17 PhD students, 15 MS students, and 30 Undergraduate students. He has been a Co-PI for 2 NSF-REU grants. His former students speak passionately about wanting to pass along the same love of mathematics to their students that Shivaji has encouraged in them.
In their own words:
Student quotes: “His enthusiasm for math is infectious. I was so impressed by his teaching abilities that I decided to attempt to become one of his PhD students–even before I fully knew his research area. I just wanted to learn everything that I could from this master teacher.” “I became somewhat discouraged until taking this course with Professor Shivaji. Dr. Shivaji’s passion for mathematics made me realize that this was the path that I belonged on and I truly thank him for that.” “He is the type of teacher I strive to be, and this has really come full circle since I am currently teaching Differential Equations and using my notes and assessments from his class as a guide.” “I thoroughly enjoyed my time as one of Dr. Shivaji’s students. He has a particular way of instructing that brings joy into any classroom. His love for mathematics was evident during each lecture or research meeting that I had with him and it certainly rubs off on his students.” “Even though he is no longer my professor, Dr. Shivaji still affects my life in a positive way to this day, and I was so lucky to have had him as my mentor.”
Quotes from colleagues: “I often envision Shivaji as a professor out in shade of the trees with his students sitting at his feet, absorbing, engaging, participating, appreciating, and enjoying the opportunity.” Regarding his work as an REU mentor “Over those two summers, in addition to taking on his responsibilities as the department head at UNCG in summer 2011, he cared more about student’s research projects and their achievements.”
Jeff Knisley – Recipient of the Southeastern Section Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Jeff Knisley of East Tennessee State University has served the MAA Southeastern Section in multiple roles. In 2003, he was the Section Lecturer, from 2005 to 2008 he was the Tennessee State Director and from 2011 to 2013 he was the Section Chair. He has also served on several national MAA committees. He is known for giving more than 100% in all that he attempts. The Southeastern Section and the MAA has benefitted from his outstanding work.
He is known as an excellent teacher. He has won local teaching awards at East Tennessee State University from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the College of Arts and Sciences and our own Southeastern Section Distinguished Teaching Award in 2004. According to one of the peer review letters of his teaching, Dr. Knisley is “always spinning for his students a web of knowledge.”
In support of teaching he has been a PI or Co-PI on multiple grants. These include two NSF Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement grants, an NSF-UBM grant, an NSF-STEP and an HHMI project.
He frequently involves students, both graduate and undergraduate, in his research area of mathematics and computational science. Jeff is also an active researcher in the area of mathematics and science education.