David Housman, professor of mathematics, recognized with Mathematical Association of America certificate
David Housman, professor of mathematics and department chair at Goshen College, has been awarded the Certificate of Meritorious Service by the Indiana Section of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). This prestigious recognition highlights Housman’s contributions and commitment to the section and the broader mathematical community.
Meritorious Service certificates are presented based on the Association’s Sections’ recommendation for service at the national level, or for service to a Section of the MAA. This year, the MAA announced six Meritorious Service Award winners: Julie Barnes, Roger Waggoner, Mark Sand, James Smith and Housman.
Housman, who started working at GC in 1998, has left an impact on students and employees alike for 25 years, with his dedication to the MAA spanning several decades. Over the course of 46 Indiana Section meetings, he has delivered talks while fostering connections between students and the mathematical community.
“May the MAA continue to provide encouragement for ever more people to engage in mathematics,” said Housman in a press release, expressing his appreciation for the recognition.
His service extends beyond regional boundaries, having held various officer roles and contributed to national committees, including the Committee on Faculty and Departments, the Committee on Sessions of Contributed Papers and the Committee on the Merten Hasse Prize.
At GC, Housman is known for his innovative teaching methods, which include interactive lectures, projects, self-discovery, cooperative groups and a process-oriented approach. He has mentored over seventy students in undergraduate research through summer programs, independent studies and senior theses. His research interests lie in game theory with applications to biology, economics and political science.
Housman’s commitment to education and mathematics is further evidenced by his active involvement in several special interest groups, such as Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education (RUME), Mathematical and Computational Biology and Environmental Mathematics.
Housman joined GC to explore his passion for teaching a variety of applied mathematics and computing courses in a small, interactive class environment. He enjoys engaging students in research projects and collaborating with colleagues across disciplines.
His commitment to the integration of mathematics with other disciplines is exemplified through his interdisciplinary teaching and collaborative efforts, such as co-directing the regional Science Olympiad tournament and mentoring students in the Maple Scholar summer research program.
About the MAA
The Mathematical Association of America is the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students and enthusiasts. They accelerate understanding of the world through mathematics because it drives society and shapes lives. Learn more at maa.org.