Teaching Citation

Award for

for

Distinguished College or University

Teaching of Mathematics

presented to

Brian McCartin

The Michigan Section of the Mathematical Association of America is pleased to announce that Professor Brian McCartin of Kettering University has been selected as the 2004-2005 recipient of the Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics.

Dr. McCartin has been teaching at Kettering University for the past 25 years, 14 years full time and 11 years part time. Brian is an effective teacher who goes far beyond his responsibilities as professor. Brian came to teaching through a non-traditional route. At 24, while married and raising two children, Brian enrolled at the University of Rhode Island. He completed both Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science Degrees in Applied Mathematics in just three years. He then completed a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Courant Institute (NYU) at night while working full-time at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft during the day. Upon completing the Ph.D., he worked during the day as a senior research mathematician for United Technologies Research Center for 13 years, while also teaching at night.

Dr. McCartin left the corporate world to follow his life’s love, teaching. He began his teaching career as the Chair of Computer Science at RPI-Hartford. He moved to Kettering University three years later to teach applied mathematics and has found this position to be the perfect fit.

Dr. McCartin has affected students very positively, not just those who enroll in his courses at Kettering University but also students from around the world who read his papers and contact him for more information. Dr. McCartin has been recognized by Kettering University as an outstanding teacher (2001), Advisor (2001 and 2002), and Researcher (2000). He is very well-rounded! Dr. McCartin also works with students in a volunteer role. He has been the faculty advisor for Kappa Mu Epsilon (6 yrs.), an undergraduate research supervisor (6 students, 12 publications), and speaker in the MAA-MI Section high school visiting lecture program (7 years).

Dr. McCartin was nominated by one of his students who enthusiastically described his contributions: “He utilizes an applications-oriented teaching approach. Students are genuinely excited to see undergraduate mathematics used to diagnose diabetes, model war, detect earthquakes, analyze music, along with many other topics he routinely discusses. Dr. McCartin’s ability to relate material to real-world applications makes his classes very interesting and allows students to not only remember the theory being taught, but also really understand it… He teaches fundamentals, study habits, and creates a passion in students for mathematics.”

The MAA Michigan Section is proud to present this Award to Dr. Brian McCartin.