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

CITATION TO

Derek Thompson

The Indiana Section Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics 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 has a distinguished, decade-long record of teaching, scholarship, and service. He has worked tirelessly to develop into an outstanding teacher whose instruction is creative and engaging. Students and colleagues admire him for his supportive, approachable, and affirming presence in the classroom and beyond.

Growth mindset, productive failure, and learning mastery are central to his pedagogical approach. These help his students achieve more than they thought they could. He has supported students and faculty well beyond his classroom, by promoting these concepts through presentations and articles at the university, regional and national levels. He is also known as a campus leader in the use of instructional technology.

The recipient has elevated undergraduate research on his campus through multiple internal and external grants.  These have enabled him to work with over 14 undergraduate research students, leading to at least 7 published papers and 3 nationally award-winning poster presentations.

He promotes problem solving, both mathematical and otherwise. He has been a successful math contest coach, leading to several high finishes in the ICMC. He co-authored a Math Horizons article on creating a departmental culture of problem solving. He is also known for bringing colleagues together in the department and across campus to solve practical problems.

Through his energy and enthusiasm, he has drawn students into greater co-curricular participation. His office hours are typically overflowing, and he regularly meets students for coffee or lunch. He has been an effective math club advisor, and has advised many students towards REUs and graduate school in mathematics.

Outside of academia, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters. He has written over 200 board game and other reviews, and is one of the top Star Realms players in the world. He is the webpage manager for his church and on the board of directors of a non-profit ministry. 

This year’s Indiana Section of the Mathematical Association of America Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics goes to Derek Thompson, of Taylor University.

Matt DeLong, Chair, Distinguished Teaching Award Selection Committee
Josh Holden, Section Chair,
Indiana Section of the MAA
March 31, 2023