MAA-SE Honors its 2026 Award Winners

The Southeastern Section of the Mathematical Association of America is proud to honor Dr. Andrew Miller for its annual service award, and Dr. Kathy Fick for distinguished teaching. Congratulations!

Dr. Andrew Miller

Service Award Winner

Dr. Kathy Fick

Congratulations to Dr. Kathy Fick (right) of Methodist University for receiving the 2026 Crawford Distinguished Teaching Award, presented by past winner Jeneva Clark (left). Dr. Kathy Fick currently serves as Chair and Professor of Mathematics and Data Science. Her outreach efforts reflect a sustained commitment to increasing participation in mathematics, especially among students from rural and historically underserved communities. Excerpts from her nominators' letters are below.

"This teacher is recognized by all students as an extraordinary teacher, not because their courses are easy, but because they make rigorous mathematics meaningful. She has a unique ability to identify potential in students, especially those who may not initially see themselves as 'mathematicians,' and to help them grow into confident learners."

"As a fellow educator myself for the past three years, I would not be half the teacher that I am

today had it not been for her guidance and wisdom. Through her mentorship, I learned that my success as a high school teacher was not based solely on whether I could teach math. Teaching math is the easy part; combining math with life's lessons to hopefully develop students into functioning adults in the world is a calling, one that I would not have achieved without her help."