INDIANA SECTION OF THE MATHEMATICAL ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS

CITATION TO

John Rickert

The Indiana Section Crawford Teaching Award recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of Section members who have been identified as extraordinary teachers in the mathematical sciences and whose teaching effectiveness has been shown to have had influence beyond their own institutions.

This year’s recipient is now in his 35th year as a faculty member, where he has built an impressive legacy as an educator, both inside and outside the classroom. His dedication to teaching and mentorship has shaped the academic journeys of countless students and colleagues alike.

His exceptional contributions to teaching were recognized with the Dean’s Outstanding Teaching Award—his institution’s highest faculty honor. This award reflects his deep commitment to student learning and his ability to inspire those around him. Yet, his influence extends far beyond the traditional classroom setting. For nearly three decades, he has been the driving force behind the annual High School Mathematics Competition at his institution. The event fosters connections between students and offers them a firsthand look at a college environment. The enduring success of this program is a testament to his passion for mathematical education and his unwavering commitment to outreach.

The recipient’s efforts to engage talented students go beyond this competition. Each summer, he has worked with high school students at MIT’s prestigious Research Science Institute (RSI), where he has guided and mentored some of the most promising young mathematicians. His involvement in RSI spans well over a decade. More recently, he has been instrumental in developing interdisciplinary courses that explore the connections between mathematics and music. His work in this area has helped science and engineering students deepen their understanding of the mathematical structures that underpin music, while also fostering a greater appreciation for the artistic side of their education.

Beyond his formal teaching, he has also been an invaluable mentor to his colleagues. He actively participates in his department’s peer visit program, in which faculty observe each other’s classes and engage in discussions about teaching. He has volunteered for this program every term since its inception.

His impact on his institution and the broader mathematical community is immeasurable. He has enriched the educational experiences of students, strengthened the work of his colleagues, and dedicated his career to fostering a love of mathematics.

This year’s Indiana Section of the Mathematical Association of America Crawford Teaching Award goes to John Rickert of the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

Christina Zumbrun, Crawford Teaching Award Selection Committee Chair
Haseeb Kazi, Section Chair
Indiana Section of the MAA
April 5, 2025