Westminster Welcomes New Mathematics Professor
Westminster College mathematics students will benefit from the previous teaching experience of new visiting Assistant Professor Chris Mooney.
Dr. Mooney comes to the College from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI, where he was an Assistant Professor of Mathematics. He holds both a Ph.D. and M.S. in mathematics as well as a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching from the University of Iowa. His undergraduate degree is from Transylvania University in Lexington, KY.
“The students are very hardworking and dedicated here,” says Dr. Mooney. “I find the diversity of students at Westminster amazing and have found that each student has a fascinating life story to share with others.”
He likes having his students do activities in class to try to encourage mathematical discovery on their own instead of only learning from lectures.
Dr. Mooney participated in a professional teaching development program for mathematics professors this past year called New Experiences in Teaching, which is sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America.
“My father is a professor and I fell in love with academia when I was able to live in Europe and attend school while my father was on sabbatical,” he says. “My parents and teachers instilled in me a passion for learning. This was not restricted to books and the classroom, but includes a commitment to learning from the people and cultures around the world. It made sense to dedicate my life to the continuation of my own learning and help others to find and achieve their passions.”
He has published nine scholarly papers and has five more in preparation.
Dr. Mooney has given presentations at twenty-four different regional and national conferences.
“I attended a small, private liberal arts college for my undergraduate education and I believe that has shaped me into the person that I am today,” says Dr. Mooney. “The dedication to developing well rounded individuals and a lifetime of learning beyond the campus of Westminster is what I enjoy the most about teaching here.”
In his spare time, he enjoys watching and playing the sports of soccer, baseball, basketball and football.
A native of Lexington, KY, he is considered an extensive world traveler as shown on his website.
