Mathematics Professor Receives Distinguished Teaching Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 26, 2007
Kathleen McPartland
530-898-4260
Mathematics Professor Receives Distinguished Teaching Award
Professor William B. Fisher, professor of mathematics and statistics, California State University, Chico, has been awarded the Mathematical Association of America’s (MAA) Distinguished Teaching Award.
Fisher is the director of the Center for Mathematics and Science Education within the College of Natural Sciences. He inaugurated the concept in 1993 to create one central point where teachers could find programs and activities in mathematics and science education. The center serves educators and students throughout Northern California. Its goal is to increase the understanding of mathematics and science at all ages.
The MAA is a professional society for university, college and high school teachers as well as pure and applied mathematicians, computer scientists, statisticians and all who are interested in the mathematical sciences.
"I am deeply honored by this award," said Fisher. "I was completely taken aback when I was notified by Dr. Gerald Alexanderson (a mathematician whose book I use for one of our upper division math courses) that I was selected as the recipient of this award. I did not even know that I had been nominated! In all my teaching situations, I have always tried to help my students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of mathematics. Since most of my efforts have been working with future or practicing teachers, I have hoped that what knowledge I have helped them gain can be transferred to their students."
Fisher has also received the Office of Sponsored Programs Special Recognition Award in 1999; the CSU, Chico Foundation Achievement Award in 1995; and Professional Achievement Honors in 1983, 1989 and 2003. He has been the director of numerous grants in mathematics education, including the Exxon/Mobil Foundation Grant for the visiting teacher-in-residence program; a California Academic Program Improvement grant; and the California Mathematics Professional Development Institutes grant for professional development for K-12 teachers.
Fisher received the award on Feb. 24 at the annual meeting of the MAA’s Northern California, Nevada and Hawaii section meeting at West Valley College in Saratoga.
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