June 20, 2014

Probability theorists, whether postulating inverse theory, subjective probability, or even the age-old Bernoulli Distribution, clearly have formulated plenty of offshoots on which to dwell.

Here’s one they may have overlooked: the Gratitude Assertion—a calculable likelihood that myriad thank-you notes, culmination announcements and other personal greetings will find their way from gratified students to Edie Carter’s desk prior to the expiration of any given semester at Amarillo College.

These unsolicited missives pile up like clockwork and reflect the profound and extensive impact Carter, a professor of mathematics, has on her students. Yet they constitute only a fraction of the rationale behind her recent selection for AC’s highest faculty accolade.

Carter was named the 2014 recipient of the prestigious John F. Mead Faculty Excellence Award during AC’s May commencement, an honor given annually to just one outstanding educator.

“I am humbled, honored and grateful,” Carter said. “Working at Amarillo College, I have been blessed to be surrounded by so many people who are committed to academic excellence.

“Expectations are high at AC,” she said. “Student success is a top priority, and daily we are each challenged to do and be our best. We are better because we work so well together.”

Carter is the coordinator of developmental math at AC and schedules classes and oversees faculty who serve about 1,500 students each semester. The veteran mathematician also supervises the Math Testing Center, and she teaches a full complement of classes of her own. Additionally, she helped organize and direct a departmental effort last year to redesign AC’s Intermediate Algebra curriculum—higher test scores and grades already are proving its worth—and she currently is leading a similar effort for Beginning Algebra.

Carter is the author or co-author of many published papers and professional presentations including such titles as “Motivating Those Who Claim to be ‘Mathematically Challenged,’” and “Success through Collaborative Efforts at Amarillo College.”

“When Edie Carter is working with students, the focus is ALWAYS on students and their learning,” Russell Lowery-Hart, vice president of academic affairs, said. “She works extremely hard in the classroom, is completely dedicated to helping students outside of the classroom, and has been a leader across campus for our student-success agenda.

“She is so deserving of this recognition.”

Carter was instrumental in helping AC’s Math Outreach Center achieve both state and national recognition in 2009. The tutoring center received a Star Award from the Texas Coordinating Board and the coveted John Champaign Award from the National Association of Developmental Education.

Though students can and do successfully seek her out on campus as often as six days a week, Carter also is a familiar face throughout the community. She serves as vice president of marketing for the Golden Spread Council of Boy Scouts of America and serves on the Community Prayer Breakfast committee. She also is active on the Tascosa High School Hall of Fame committee and in Bible Study Fellowship.

“Edie is truly a role model to many,” Dr. Kathy Wetzel, assistant dean of arts and sciences, said. “She is a phenomenal teacher who is greatly admired by students and faculty, alike.”

When in the presence of her students, whether the topic is math or the mastery of life skills, Carter commands their full attention. Because they so consistently achieve success, expressions of thanks—heaps of cards and letters—have become the norm.

“I get so many cards that say ‘I’m getting pinned’ or ‘I had you for beginning math and now I’m graduating,’” Carter said. “It’s very gratifying, and it’s pretty amazing to know you’ve made a difference in people’s lives. I’m here to inspire people to be the best that they can be, and I know that we all can be successful in math.

“What’s so fun about my job is that every day I get to witness the success of people who initially had no confidence in their abilities. I’m a believer that if people work hard enough they can achieve their goals.”

The John F. Mead Award ward was created in 1988 and is named after the second AC president, whose unique contributions included leading the College during the challenging 1930s and returning as a full-time member of the faculty in the 1960s. Criteria for the award are: demonstrated excellence in classroom teaching, research, service to the College, student and peer support, and professional activities.

As the 2014 recipient, Carter receives a plaque, $1,000, and a paid trip to a teaching seminar or professional meeting in the year ahead.