1999 Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics
Ping-Tun Chang, University of Alaska, Matunuska-Susitna

The section’s seventh Distinguished Teaching Award was presented to Professor Ping-Tung Chang of Matanuska-Susitna College, University of Alaska – Anchorage. It is possible that this is the first such sectional award in the country where the winner was nominated by students.

For most of his more than thirty years of teaching mathematics Professor Chang has taken special interest in the challenge of communicating mathematics to the widest possible audience. He has published papers on teacher preparation and strategies for dealing with math anxiety. Ten years ago when he came to the Mat-Su branch as the only fulltime math faculty member, he had to confront the full spectrum of this challenge. Professor Chang became well-known among the elementary and secondary mathematics teachers of the area. In addition to promoting a Math Club at the Mat-Su branch he inspired the club to serve as tutors for secondary students. Professor Chang is widely praised for the support and encouragement he provides to students whether they are working at the remedial level or preparing for advanced studies. He is known to be available for help from early to late and even on Saturdays and Sundays. Perhaps the most dramatic indication of the respect won by his efforts is the fact that his nomination for the distinguished teaching award was prepared by the Mat-Su math club.