Expertise:
Mathematics; Statistics; Grant writing
Major Product/SVS:
Higher education
Hobbies/Sports:
Hiking; Camping; Knitting; Sudoku
Education Degrees:
Ph.D., with Coursework in Mathematics, Statistics, Curriculum and Instruction, and Community College Teaching, The University of Tennessee (1986); Master's Degree in Mathematics, The University of Tennessee (1975); Bachelors of Science, Mathematics, The University of Tennessee (1974)
Affiliations Awards:
Smoky Mountain Mathematics Educator's Association; State Level Chapter, Tennessee Mathematics Association; American Mathematics Association; Mathematical Association of America
Industry:
Higher Education
Date of Distinction:
2/9/2012
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
She stands out because of her holistic approach to her teaching, her engaging personality, knowledge of mathematics, being flexible to her students, her desire to continue her learning, staying on the cutting edge of technology and techniques in teaching mathematics and respect for her colleagues.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
Her greatest career achievement is seeing her students through from the beginning through to graduation, and the personal thanks she gets from students getting them through the classes. She gets a lot of pleasure from students who have gone on to four-year schools and stay in touch with her.
How would you like to be remembered by your peers?:
She would like to be remembered by her peers as willing to try anything once (step out of the box) in the classroom with various teaching techniques, and not being satisfied with the status quo.
If you could solve one problem in the world today, what would it be?:
For the world to know that in order to have world peace, we need to have peace within ourselves, peace at the workplace, etc. The way to peace is NOT through war. WAR DOES NOT PROMOTE PEACE.
Number Of Years In Profession:
28
Number Of Years In Current Position:
21
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to caring for her students.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession through her interest in becoming a teacher.
Extended Bio Profile:
Dr. Preston recently became involved in textbook research and creation.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Teaching mathematics fundamentals through calculus; Providing sample syllabi; Handling administrative duties; Student advising mainly with students transferring to a four-year school or students interested in engineering, as well as the students who are math majors; Supervising the researching of new textbook for the fundamentals course and then revising the curriculum, which is also available to the other 13 community colleges, six college/universities in the TN region system and four universities in the system; Writing and administering exams; Utilizing an online homework system for the fundamentals math class
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Dr. Preston plans to continue teaching; she wants to be there for her students.