WKU Mathematics

Joan Birman thought her major discoveries were behind her. Then came an email from a young neighbor — a girl who knew little but wanted to learn. https://nyti.ms/46KhcBh

Did you correctly guess that Dr. Lanphier was a collegiate gymnast?

Introducing FACULTY TRIVIA FRIDAY, where you can get to know a little about the amazing, well-rounded people in our department outside of the classroom!

Drop your guesses in the comments before 4:30 PM today!

Thank you to Rachel Roberts (BA ‘18) for speaking to our students as part of the Pi Mu Epsilon Math Alumni Speaker Series!

We are searching for a new Department Chair. Application materials must be submitted by October 1. See https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=204262 for details.

Hirezon / Interview Exchange - WAF

Join Pi Mu Epsilon for their first MASS (Math Alumni Speaker Series) event of the semester! The speaker is Rachel (Turner) Roberts (BA ‘18), a Sr BI Engineer at Humana.

Rachel will highlight how studying mathematics at WKU has been beneficial to her in her career. This will be followed by a Q&A session. She will be speaking to us via Zoom on Tuesday, September 1, at 4:00 PM. You have the option of joining in person (COHH 3119, where snacks will be provided) or via Zoom (https://wku.zoom.us/j/95787883605).

Happy first day of Fall 2026 classes!!!

If you’re looking for your MATH or STAT class, you can find it at the top of the hill in College High Hall (COHH), Kelly Thompson Hall (KTH), or Snell Hall (SH).

🔴 The department office is located in COHH 4124. Stop by if you ever have any questions or issues!
⚪️ There’s a student lounge in COHH 3100.
🔴 The Math Tutoring Lab is in COHH 2125.
⚪️ Need to rent a TI-84 calculator for the semester? Ask your instructor about the Calculator Rental Program (or visit our website).

❓❔ Have any questions? Drop them in the comments!

Introducing our new Instructor in the WKU Department of Mathematics, Cody Watkins!

Originally from Auburn, KY, Mr. Watkins holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Murray State University. His academic background is in fractal geometry, with a broader interest in intuitive mathematical structures and how students build conceptual understanding.

Mr. Watkins’s favorite aspect of teaching is helping students experience the moment when a difficult idea suddenly ‘clicks’, especially through visual reasoning, storytelling, and hands on exploration. He enjoys watching students (especially those who are convinced they are ‘not math people’) gain confidence.

Fun fact: Mr. Watkins is a lifelong science fiction fan and can talk for hours about how mathematical ideas show up in world building and storytelling.

Mr. Watkins looks forward to meeting all his new students, teaching them the subject he loves, and helping them however he can. Please join us in welcoming him to the WKU Mathematics family!

Want to see another WKU Mathematics alum compete on a game show?

Rebecca (Warren) Price (BA ‘21, MA ‘24) put her trivia knowledge to the test as a contestant on Season 5 of FOX’s The Floor! Catch her episodes streaming on Hulu and Disney+ and cheer on another outstanding member of the WKU Math family.

Western Kentucky University
WKU Alumni
Ogden College of Science & Engineering at WKU

The Comeback King strikes again! WKU Mathematics alum Matthew Riggle (BA 2016, MS 2018) is a two-day Jeopardy! champion!

After a slow start in the first round, Matthew came back in Double Jeopardy!, boosted by his getting both Daily Doubles. His strong performance gave him the lead going into Final Jeopardy!. Even though Final Jeopardy! was a Triple Stumper, Matthew's smart wagering secured his win.

Since yesterday's episode was the season finale, we have to wait until the season premiere on September 14 to see Matthew compete again. We can't wait to cheer him on then!

Western Kentucky University
WKU Alumni
Ogden College of Science & Engineering at WKU