Virginia Wesleyan College

Search

Sort by category

All Releases Academic Admissions Adult Studies Office Alumni Art Athletics Batten Center Career Services Community Service CSM CSRF Financial Aid FYE-1 Intellectual and Cultural Events FYE-2 Skills and Information Workshops FYE-3 Campus Life Activities General Key to the Future Music Department OIP Pres Env Iss Council RecX Student Activities Theatre Undergraduate Research VWC Concert Series

See also

 

Spirit Squad

Get your FREE Virginia Wesleyan decal.

PEIC

Learn about campus greening initiative.

Feb 5, 2008: First Professor Named For The Thomas R. Fanney Distinguished Professorship In Mathematics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Va. – Associate Professor of Mathematics/Computer Science at Virginia Wesleyan College, Dr. Margaret Reese, has been named the first recipient of the Thomas R. Fanney Distinguished Professorship in Mathematics, the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs announced today.

The Thomas R. Fanney Distinguished Professorship in Mathematics was established to honor the late Dr. Thomas Fanney '76, professor of mathematics, who passed away in February 2005.

Reese said she is honored to be named the first recipient of this endowed professorship created in memory of her former colleague.

"Tom Fanney loved Virginia Wesleyan, and he loved mathematics," said Reese. "It was a great experience for me to work with Tom to realize his vision for general education in mathematics and the more specialized education of future mathematicians. It was a vision with which I wholeheartedly agreed and I am highly honored to have been named the 2007-08 Thomas Reid Fanney Professor in Mathematics."

Reese came to Virginia Wesleyan in 2003 as an adjunct professor before becoming full-time in 2004. She received her B.A. from Converse College, a small women's liberal arts college in South Carolina, and received her M.A. and Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of South Carolina. Most recently she received her M.S. in Statistics from Old Dominion University.

Reese has published several papers and given lectures at conferences on research mathematics and on issues related to the teaching of mathematics. She is one of three professors at Virginia Wesleyan who received a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study the effects of green roofs on water quality.

The professorship is designed to remember the life of a respected alumnus and beloved faculty member. A dedicated mathematician, Fanney received his master's degree from Colorado State University and his doctorate from Virginia Tech. In 1989, he became the first Wesleyan graduate with a Ph.D. to return to his alma mater to teach.

During his career at Virginia Wesleyan, he published articles in the Mathematical Society in America and organized the annual Virginia Wesleyan College High School Mathematics Contest, a competition awarding Virginia Wesleyan scholarships to high school students. Fanney directed the PORTfolio Program, served as adviser to Campus Kaleidoscope and the Order in Infinity, the student chapter of the Mathematical Association of America. He also served as chairman of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division and served on the winter session committee and the community service advisory board.

Described as a man who took a broad interest in the world, Fanney could often be found playing racquetball with fellow faculty and staff, or discussing anything from math to sports and music. His effect on the College will be long-lasting.

The Thomas R. Fanney Distinguished Professorship in Mathematics was established by a gift from William J. Fanney, Tom's father and Emeriti Member of the Board of Trustees. The gift was then matched with an award by the Frank E. Brown Challenge.

For more news and events at Virginia Wesleyan College, visit the News and Events Web site.

###