Professor Emeritus Thomas Dick's journey in academia has left a lasting impact on mathematics education. During his tenure as a professor and former chair (1992-97) in the Department of Mathematics at Oregon State University, he built an amazing legacy through his leadership, dedication to teaching and innovative programs.
“The mathematics department is extremely pleased to create an endowed scholarship in honor of his dedication to the field of mathematics education, both locally in Oregon and at Oregon State University, and broadly across the international mathematics education community,” said Jon Kujawa, mathematics department head and Hartmann Faculty Scholar.
“Given his legacy, we are thrilled that, through this scholarship, mathematics education graduate students at Oregon State University will have the good fortune to learn about Tom Dick and his contributions to the field – thanks to an anonymous donor, grateful for his mentoring.”
Professor Dick significantly enhanced mathematics education through transformative initiatives. As the faculty director of the OSU Math Learning Center, he initiated the innovative Math Excel (Treisman Emerging Scholars) program. This program supports students in introductory mathematics courses by offering supplemental instruction. These sessions, led by trained facilitators, focus on collaborative problem-solving and active learning, helping students deepen their understanding of mathematics concepts.
Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to teaching mathematics and preparing future teachers of mathematics at all levels, from kindergarten to graduate school. This commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Mathematical Association of America’s Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics for the Pacific Northwest region, and his induction into the Oregon Mathematics Education Hall of Fame.
“So many people in the field of mathematics education know and love Tom."
At Oregon State, he was further honored with the Olaf Boedtker Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising, the Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Teaching in Science, the Fred Horne Award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching Science, and the Elizabeth P. Ritchie Distinguished Professor Award – the university's highest teaching award.
His main interest in mathematics education research has been in the use of technology to enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics. He co-edited a volume on using technology to support reasoning and sense-making for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and co-authored the technology chapter in the second edition of the Handbook of Research on Mathematics Teaching and Learning. He also served on the technology committee for the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators. Additionally, he has served as chair of the editorial panel for the Journal for Research in Mathematics Education and as chair of the Advanced Placement Calculus Test Development Committee.
He remains active as an examination leader for the grading of AP Calculus and as a senior mathematics advisor to Texas Instruments Educational Technology Division.
“So many people in the field of mathematics education know and love Tom,” the donor shared.
“In all the mathematics education circles of which Tom is a part, every person who knows him remarks on his mathematical expertise and creativity, his fun and collegial spirit, and his warm and welcoming nature. He always offers insightful ideas and suggestions for mathematics education research and teaching. Throughout his formal career and beyond, he has been an exceptional friend, colleague, and mentor. We are profoundly grateful for his decades-long support of mathematics education faculty, students, and research at OSU.”
