At both the national and the section level, Project NExT is one
of the most effective projects in the MAA. I attended the dinner
for the “Cardinal Dots” in San Diego and was
impressed with the energy and ideas flowing there. Our own
Section Project NExT is continuing under the leadership of John
Clifford (UM–Dearborn). Being able to stay connected to
other new faculty across the country and the state, exchanging
ideas from research to teaching concerns, adds a dimension to our
profession that translates into satisfaction and involvement, and
can’t help but inspire future generations of students in
mathematics. I am looking forward to continuing that
association.
It’s been a busy year back in the Section. Norm Richert (Mathematical Reviews) takes over from Jerry Grossman (Oakland U) as Newsletter Editor. Many thanks to Jerry for his five years as editor. He has done an impressive job of editing, gathering thought-provoking material, and getting out the top Section newsletter. (And that’s no hyperbole-a.)
David Redman (Delta C) takes over as Director of the Michigan Math Prize Competition from Bob Messer (Albion C). For three years Bob has done a splendid job in this labor-intensive occupation. Bob wears another hat as head coach of the Michigan All-Stars ARML team, a subset of the MMPC winners. We see many of them becoming mathematics researchers.
Brian Snyder (NMU) will be running the High School Visiting Lecture Program, taking over from Paul Fishback and Steve Schlicker (GVSU). Many thanks to Paul and Steve who are moving on to other activities.
John Kiltinen (NMU) organized an excellent UP Math Conference (story in Fall Newsletter).
Randall Pruim (Calvin C) and the committee for the MUMC, John Clifford, John Fink (Kalamazoo C), Sivaram Narayan (CMU), Jody Sorenson (GVSU), and Darin Stephenson (Hope C), organized an interesting and well-attended conference (see story).
I look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting May 10–11, where the food will be good, the conversation lively, and all the talks (as always) way above average.
Ruth Favro, Chair