The Division of Mathematics at Northwestern State University is more than just an educational division that offers concentrations in applied and actuarial mathematics, it also focuses on the academic welfare of its students and their community involvement. Math majors can also participate in monthly Fun Nights, where students and faculty gather to indulge in snacks and games while growing closer as a division.
Professor Leigh Ann Myers has taught in the Division of Mathematics for 30 years and helped develop the actuarial mathematics concentration. She notes that throughout her years of teaching, the division has seen advancement in the use of technology and increased student involvement. Myers also noted expected changes in the future with the addition of new concentrations. “We hope that putting in new concentrations will encourage students to major in math and help them to realize the different things that you can do with a math degree,” Myers said.
Masen Starks, a senior math and biology major, has always loved the consistency of math and said that learning about all the possible math careers made him realize math’s importance.
In addition to its college offerings, the division hosts the Demon Mathematics Classic for high schools to participate in a quiz bowl-style competition. Starks recalls a special memory when he worked the Demon Mathematics Classic after participating in it as a high schooler. “It was a very fun time seeing all the schools come to participate and being able to be directly involved running it on the other side,” Starks said.
What makes the Division of Mathematics so special is its involvement with math majors. Madisyn Rippeon, a freshman math major, enjoyed getting to know students and faculty at the first Fun Night of the semester. The night of games and pizza left Rippeon feeling connected to the entire division. “We’re all friends with each other, so it feels like a family,” Rippeon said.
NSU’s Division of Mathematics also accommodates students enrolled in math classes by offering tutoring services. Students are welcome to walk into the math lab and receive assistance from trained peer tutors for all of their math needs.
The Division of Mathematics realizes the importance of math degrees and is constantly evolving to involve more students in the world of math, hoping to welcome more students into their ranks and grow their community.
