Hoffman receives math award

Thomas Hoffman, an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, was recently honored by the Mathematical Association of America, Southeastern Section. He was given the Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Beginning College or University Mathematics Faculty Member in a ceremony at the regional MAA conference this spring.

Hoffman joined the CCU faculty in 2004 after earning his degree in algebra at the University of Arizona. He has taught a wide variety of classes, from Math 101 for humanities majors, to Abstract Algebra.

“Tom’s expectations for his students are high, but he manages to find a way to balance those high expectations with the struggles that some of his students face," a colleague said in making the nomination. "He uses a modified Moore method, but he is very patient and has the ability to get his students to respond and participate, even when they are not 100 percent sure they know the answer.”

“Tom is very organized and presents the material in a clear and succinct manner," writes Prashant Sansgiry, chair of the department. "He takes time to answer students’ questions and runs a very interactive classroom.”

Hoffman developed a new seminar for majors, as well as a new freshman course for non-majors. He actively recruits students for undergraduate research projects, works with them as they develop results, then helps them present and publish their results. He has chaired the department’s curriculum committee (and spearheaded the revisions of the major and minor) and the University’s Faculty
Welfare & Development Committee.