Indiana Section of the Mathematical Association of America
Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics
Citation to
Dan Callon
The Indiana Section Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics annually recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of Section members who have been identified as extraordinarily successful teachers in the mathematical sciences and whose teaching effectiveness has been shown to have had influence beyond their own institutions.
This year's recipient has had a long and truly distinguished career in classroom teaching and innovation, curriculum development, and service to his department, his institution, and the mathematical community. He has displayed excellence in teaching at all undergraduate levels, has received the highest teaching award offered by Franklin College, and was nominated by Franklin for the CASE Professor of the Year. He has developed and organized many extra programs to enrich the experiences of mathematics majors including the Senior Year Experience, the Statistics Consulting Project, the Freshman Experience, the Alumni Panel – where alumni from the mathematics department come back to impart wisdom concerning their careers paths and choices, Senior Day – where seniors reflect on their time at Franklin and share those reflections with underclassmen, and Shadow Day – an annual experience where math majors spend a day at a local business and learn what it is like to work there. For example, the Senior Year Experience brings in an outside evaluator to test graduating seniors on their ability to use real-life mathematics to complete a project as part of a team, using communication skills, technological ability, and mathematics. His students testify to the lasting impact he has had on their lives, serving as a role model of an engaged mathematician.
His influence has extended well beyond his department. He has been a leader in Project NExT Indiana, serving as consultant, speaker, and mentor. He has served as chair and vice-chair of the Indiana Section. He has studied why employers hire math majors and shared his findings with the MAA. He received the Distinguished Service Award from this Section in 2005.
At his home institution, he has been a leader in curriculum reform. He designed a Quantitative Analysis major for students interested in business finance, management, or economics. He is the primary author for Franklin’s current Liberal Arts curriculum and has served as the Liberal Arts coordinator. He has served ably for many years as department chair and division head.
It is my privilege to present this award to Dan Callon, of Franklin College, the very model of a distinguished college teacher of mathematics.
Patrick Sullivan, Chair
Indiana Section of the Mathematical Association of America
March 23, 2012