Passionate math professor receives honor

Dr. Elizabeth Yanik helps students at Sonia Kovalevsky. Yanik is the 2007 Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor.

An accomplished professor, mentor and scholar is the 2007 Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor. Besty Yanik, a passionate teacher who directs and sustains a half dozen math and science mentoring programs for young women, was recently honored during a reception for her dedication to the field of teaching and mentoring students.

Yanik was in total shock when she first learned of the award. “I was sitting in my office after teaching two classes and I saw both President Lane and Vice President Schwenn enter the front door of the math office. A minute later they appeared at my office door. I had no idea why they would be visiting me. Then Vice President Schwenn told me I had been named this year’s Roe R. Cross professor. I was stunned- totally shocked. I didn’t even know I had been nominated. I am so very honored to join this group of distinguished professors,” she said.

Yanik, who joined the ESU math faculty in 1990, has a passion for math and exposing young women to careers in math and science. Because of her passion for young women in math and science, Yanik was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). Yanik was one of only nine individuals throughout the nation to receive this honor. She was honored by President George W. Bush at a ceremony at the White House. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to mentoring students and increasing the participation of minorities, women and disabled students in science, mathematics and engineering.

A letter nominating Yanik, written by Marvin Harrell, professor in the department of mathematics, computer science and economics, noted her innovative teaching, outreach programs and dedication to students. Harrell wrote, Dr. Yanik is considered by the students and faculty to be an outstanding teacher. I have had the opportunity to team teach several classes with Dr. Yanik and I must say she is an excellent teacher. She is articulate, maintains high academic standards and is well received by the students.

“I think it is essential to be passionate about the subject you are teaching. I hope that my enthusiasm about sharing my knowledge of mathematics creates a spark of interest in my students. This is particularly important in mathematics because I often hear about former bad experiences my students have had with mathematics,” Yanik said. “It is very gratifying to me when a student tells me at the end of the semester that she or he enjoyed the course. Of course it is even more exciting if that student expresses an interest in becoming a mathematics major! It is important to always be willing to provide help when needed, to be consistent, to be fair, and to uphold high, yet reasonable, expectations.”

For the past thirteen years Yanik has been involved in developing and supporting ongoing programs for girls and women in mathematics and the sciences. Those programs include Sonia Kovalevsky Mathematics Day, Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics, SMASH – Summer Mathematics and Science Holiday, MASTER IT – Mathematics and Science to Explore careers – Investing Together and Women Count.

Larry Scott, chair of mathematics, computer science and economics, praised Yanik for her valuable contributions to the department, college, university and profession. He wrote Dr. Yanik has an amazing dedication to the programs she is involved with. She has established herself as an outstanding classroom teacher and her dedication to teaching matches her dedication to mentoring. Her students appreciate all the extra effort that she puts into her classes.

Since 1979, the Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor Award has been awarded annually. It includes $1,000 for professional activities and the honor to deliver the winter commencement speech.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>