As one of the fundamental liberal arts disciplines, mathematics is an essential area of inquiry for any educated citizen. By empowering students with the skills of logical and analytical thinking, creative problem solving, and quantitative reasoning, the study of mathematics is a cornerstone in a liberal arts education. Furthermore, the history, applications, and aesthetics of mathematics cement its place in our shared cultural heritage. For these reasons, the mission of the Department of Mathematics is to create and provide meaningful intellectual pursuits for students of the university with the aforementioned ideas in mind. To this end, the Department strives for excellence in teaching and strives for academic and extracurricular activities that arouse students’ natural curiosity, provide them an intellectually challenging environment, and foster their academic growth.
The Department of Mathematics serves the mathematical needs of the entire university community. The Department offers a broad range of courses designed to prepare students for careers or advanced study for those pursuing degrees in mathematics, engineering, or mathematics education. For students whose major incorporates a significant mathematical component, e.g. in the physical sciences, economics, and education, the Department offers a curriculum that meets the special needs of these groups. For all those studying mathematics as part of the general requirements of a broad based liberal arts education, the department offers courses that support the mission of the university and cultivate the skills indicated above. Lastly, the Department of Mathematics provides an atmosphere for its faculty that encourages excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service because the dedication, enthusiasm, and support of its faculty are all necessary for the Department to thrive and achieve the goals stated herein.