Faculty and student receive math honors

Several faculty members and a student were honored recently by the Tennessee Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges.

At the Fifth Annual TMATYC conference April 21 in Nashville, Pellissippi State student James “Trey” Copeland received an award for taking first place in the statewide calculus B test. It’s the most advanced in the five-test competition. Trey’s father and grandfather made the trip to Nashville with him for the presentation.

Associate Professor Judy Ahrens earned the first TMATYC Excellence in Teaching award. She was selected from a slate of nominees from across the state, based on instructional effectiveness, support of students, professional development and college service.

Other Pellissippi State faculty involved in leadership roles with the association include Assistant Professor Nancy Pevey, TMATYC’s secretary and treasurer, and Assistant Professor Bobby Jackson, who is currently vice president of the East Tennessee region. He’s been selected to move up to the president-elect of TMATYC’s in the fall of 2006 and will serve in that position through 2008, then and become president in 2008 until 2010.

“The TMA leadership provided by Pellissippi State faculty and the awards won by our students are a distinction and an honor for the College and the Math Department,” said Catherine Williams, head of the Math Department.