Dr. Jill Guerra of Fort Smith, mathematics professor at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, received the Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics from the Mathematical Association of America, Oklahoma-Arkansas Section.

 

The award is given to honor college or university teachers who have been widely recognized as extraordinarily successful and whose teaching effectiveness has been shown to have had influence beyond their own institutions. Guerra, who has taught at UAFS since 2003, said she was nominated and chosen by a committee composed of past winners.

 

“My nomination packet had letters from some of my colleagues and some past students, as well as evidence that included information on the work I have done in the region to mentor new faculty through a program I coordinate,” she said.

 

“There were also details of my grant work on an inquiry-based learning project that I am involved in, one for which I have given numerous workshops,” Guerra added. “I am very honored to have received this award.”

 

The Oklahoma-Arkansas award, given to one faculty member in the two-state region, qualifies Guerra for nomination for the Haimo Award given by the MAA at the national level.

 

The Mathematical Association of America is the largest professional society that focuses on mathematics accessible at the undergraduate level. Members include university, college and high school teachers; graduate and undergraduate students; pure and applied mathematicians; computer scientists; statisticians; and many others in academia, government, business, and industry. The mission of the MAA is to advance the mathematical sciences, especially at the collegiate level.