Dawkins honored for contributions to undergraduate mathematics education

Paul Dawkins, assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics at Texas State University.

Paul Dawkins, assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics at Texas State University, has been awarded the Annie and John Selden Award for outstanding achievement in undergraduate mathematical education by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

The Selden Award honors a researcher who has established a significant record of published research in undergraduate mathematics education.

"I'm very thankful to receive affirmation that the work that I enjoy so much is of value to my peers," Dawkins said. "To be nominated is a joy and to be awarded is incredibly humbling."

Dawkins has created an impressive and unusually high level of production early in his career. He has developed heuristic mathematical processes to bridge student understanding from earlier mathematical instruction to more advanced learning. He has also studied language and its impact on understanding proof-writing for students. The MAA cited Dawkins' exuberance, attention to detail and deep intellectual curiosity he brings to his work that other researchers are inspired by.

“The MAA is delighted to recognize these exemplary contributions towards improving undergraduate mathematics education,” said Michael Pearson, executive director of MAA. “We can all be inspired and challenged to strengthen teaching and learning in mathematics by the work of the awardees.”

The Mathematical Association of America is the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students and enthusiasts. The MAA accelerates the understanding of the world through mathematics because mathematics drives society and shapes lives. For more information, visit maa.org.