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K-State Today

October 28, 2013

Mathematics department head awarded Haimo Award for distinguished university teaching

Submitted by Jena Sauber

The College of Arts and Sciences recognizes Andrew Bennett, professor and head of the mathematics department, for receiving Mathematical Association of America’s Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching.

The national award is given to three distinguished college or university teachers who exhibit effective teaching and positive influence.

“Mathematics, like many of our core quantitative programs, is a challenge point for a lot of K-State students,” said Peter Dorhout, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “It’s exciting and gratifying to know that we have faculty like Dr. Bennett who are recognized by their professional organizations for their contributions to teaching. The hallmark of a Top 50 university is to have faculty who are leading their disciplines, preparing our students to make a difference in the world.”

Bennett has been at K-State for 25 years, and was the inaugural director of the math department’s Center for Quantitative Education. His research focuses on effective use of technology and instruction in mathematics education.

Bennett was first nominated for the 2012 MAA Kansas Section Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching by Virginia Naibo, associate professor of mathematics at K-State.

"Andrew Bennett excels in the teaching of mathematics, in its broadest sense and at all levels: K-12, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral. His achievements surpass the limits of the classroom and his ideas on the effective teaching of mathematics have had influence beyond Kansas State University,” Naibo said.

Winning the Kansas award nominated him for the national award, which he won.

"The national award was, wow. I was thrilled. I wasn't anticipating it," Bennett said

Bennett joins his younger brother, Curtis Bennett, as the second family member to receive the award. Curtis Bennett is a professor of mathematics and associate dean for faculty development and graduate studies at the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

Andrew Bennett is glad to join his brother.

"Curtis very much deserved it," Andrew said. "It's nice to have someone to share this with."

Bennett will receive the award in January in Baltimore, Md. He will also be given the opportunity to give a speech on his research in the field.

"It's exciting to be able to share some of what I've learned with a broader audience than I usually do," Bennett said.

Bennett was appreciative of the award, and past opportunities.

"I am deeply indebted to my colleagues and students for the support I've gotten in developing my teaching," Bennett said.