After completing my MS in Mathematics from UMKC in 1992, I was hired as Developmental Mathematics Coordinator (DMC) at Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph. My responsibilities as DMC included: helped to implement a self-paced, mastery-based program for remedial mathematics students called the Developmental Mathematics Program (DMP); teaching introductory and intermediate algebra courses; hired, trained, and supervised 16 student employees to assist with the DMP.
In 1996, I was hired as a full-time Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Allen County Community College (ACCC). At ACCC, I taught a variety of courses from Beginning Algebra to Calculus III.
I completed my Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Mathematics and Physics at UMKC in 2000. At that time, a position became available at University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS and I was hired to fill the position. While at USM I have taught basically all the courses offered in the Mathematics Curriculum. In addition, I taught two interdisciplinary freshmen Learning Communities: (1) "Money's Not a Dirty Word", in which I collaborated with the Business Program, and (2) "Beauty is in the Phi of the Beholder", a collaboration with the Art Program. Furthermore, I have taught General Physics and a Freshmen First Year Experience Course. I have served on numerous university committees, as well as, Kansas State Department of Education review teams. I also served as Department Chair of Natural Sciences and Mathematics from 2004-2010 and I am currently the Mathematics Program Director.
In 2004, I received the Sullivan Award for Teaching Excellence. The Sullivan recipient is chosen by students, faculty and administration and is awarded to one faculty each year who demonstrates creativity in course content, ability to motivate students, concern for students, and leadership and service to the university.
For the past several years, I have served as the Director for Latino Math and Science Academy (LMASA) that the university hosts over the summer. Now in its eleventh year, the LMASA is a highly effective program founded to increase the representation of minorities, and specifically that of Latinos, in math, science and health professions.
I also taught as an adjunct at UMKC, Maple Woods Community College, and Johnson County Community College while in graduate school. In addition, I presented a workshop on Geometer's Sketchpad at the Math EXPO, and a talk on Spirituality and Mathematics at my church.
Rick Silvey