Professor of Mathematics
Years at McMurry: 3
Ph.D., Texas Tech University
B.S., Howard Payne Universtiy

For the upcoming issue of the Chieftain we interviewed two McMurry professors and asked them questions about their teaching philosophy, the role of research and teaching at the undergraduate level, among others. We would like to introduce to you one of these professors, Dr. Cindy Martin, Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Look for the entire article in the next issue of the Chieftain.

Teaching Philosophy:

My teaching philosophy is that EVERY student can learn mathematics. I have a great passion for this subject, and I want the student to see beyond just the skill they are learning. There is more to math than just solving equations. I use a variety of teaching methods to try to reach every student. My ultimate goal in every math class is for the student to be able to make connections to things outside of my classroom.

How do you integrate research and/or other scholarship activities into teaching at the undergraduate level?

In almost every class I teach I try to incorporate some kind of project. I try for at least one of the projects to have a research component. In some classes I will have the students prepare an oral report or presentation. It does not always have to be a big project, sometimes it is just bringing in an application of a certain topic. I try to have each of my classes be as "hands on" as possible.

In what ways do you prepare your students for life after graduation?

My goal with each of my students is to recognize, and then encourage, motivate, and sometimes (when needed) push towards their individual potential. Both in the classroom setting, and outside I try to encourage creativity, responsibility, and self-motivation. It is more than just preparing them in Mathematics, I do that, but I want to encourage them to take pride in all that they do, and to be good citizens in the world around them.

What has been your most memorable experience at McMurry so far?

There are so many memories: homecoming, athletic events, being a club sponsor, sitting and chatting with some of my students, the look on that student’s face when they have never been able to succeed in Math and they finally "get it," but my favorite memory has to be graduation. There is just something about watching a student that I have gotten to know and seen grow leaps and bounds, sometimes cried with, and sometimes celebrated with, walk across the stage. It is the best memory.