UAF math professor receives national award

January 9, 2018

Photo courtesy of American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges. UAF Assistant Professor Lorinda Fattic, center, accepts her award during the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges' conference in November. AMATYC President Jane Tanner, right, presented Fattic with a medallion. Chris Hoag, left, with the textbook publisher Pearson, gave Fattic a $500 check.

A University of Alaska Fairbanks faculty member's innovative teaching methods recently earned her a top award from the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges.

Lorinda Fattic, an assistant professor at the College of Rural and Community Development’s Interior Alaska Campus, was one of eight people nationwide honored with the prestigious biannual AMATYC Teaching Excellence Award.

Fattic received the award during the association’s annual conference in San Diego, Nov. 9-12. She also received a $500 check from textbook publisher Pearson.

“Math can be an intimidating force to many people,” said Bryan Uher, interim campus director at IAC. “Lorinda has an amazing ability to innovate and deliver math education to students of all levels, putting their fears to rest and promoting success through understanding.”

Fattic, who specializes in developmental math, has taught for the university since 2007. She presents at professional conferences about her innovative teaching techniques that make math easier to understand. In addition to teaching, Fattic has designed courses and curriculum that make math concepts more relatable to students.

During Fattic's earlier career as a high school teacher, she was recognized by Who’s Who Among Teachers four times and by the National Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teachers. She has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer education from Union College in Nebraska and a master’s degree in mathematics from Montana State University.

“I am so glad that I have this opportunity to share not only about Professor Fattic’s exemplary teaching ability, but my appreciation for her level of commitment to those of us who are 'math insecure,'" wrote Aimee, a UAF student, in her letter of support for the award. “Math was all that remained before finishing my bachelor’s degree. Ms. Fattic worked with me using a strength-based learning platform. She has given me inspiration and achievement. As I march in the graduation processional this May, Ms. Fattic’s legacy marches too.”