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Lawrence is Professor of the Year
Marshall University math professor Bonita Lawrence recently received the Faculty Merit Foundation of West VirginiaÕs Professor of the Year Award.
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HUNTINGTON -- Bonita Lawrence's work to make complex mathematical concepts more understandable to her students was a key factor in her selection as 2009 Professor of the Year by the Faculty Merit Foundation of West Virginia.
Lawrence, professor and associate chair of mathematics at Marshall University, was stunned when she was announced as winner of the award last week in Charleston.
"I couldn't believe I won," Lawrence said. "I was jumping up and down and they had to take the trophy from me because they were afraid I would drop it."
Lawrence was surprised because she was up against such stiff competition. Other finalists included faculty from West Virginia University, Shepherd University, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and Davis & Elkins College.
During the ceremony, a professor from each institution described the work of each of the nominated professors.
"It is very impressive what people have done," Lawrence said. "Any of us could've won."
Lawrence, who received degrees at Cameron University, Auburn University and University of Texas at Arlington, said her work with a differential organizer was one of the reasons she won the award. The device, which takes up four large tables in Lawrence's classroom in Smith Hall, is a mechanical analog computer designed to solve differential equations with the solution drawn by the machine. Differential equations play a prominent role in various disciplines, including engineering, physics and economics.
The original device was created in the early 1920s, and served as an early calculator for differential analysis equations. Marshall's differential organizer cost $8,000 and took two semesters to build. A variety of students have helped build the machine, which was completed last year, Lawrence said.
The benefit of the machine, in addition to having calculators and computers that can solve the equations much quicker and with less effort, is that it teaches students the hands-on approach to algebra, calculus and trigonometry.
"In many cases (students) don't understand a lot of what hardware and software and little machines like calculators are actually doing," Lawrence said. "(The differential analyzer) shows you what's happening because you can watch what's happening."
Students must actually tighten and loosen bolts and change numeric values in order for the machine to draw a solution, Lawrence said.
Marshall Provost Gayle L. Ormiston said the award reflects the dedication Lawrence has as a teacher and her efforts to find new ways to work with her students. Her work with the differential analyzer, Ormiston said, is well deserving of recognition.
"The award recognizes her willingness to explain complex concepts that can be understood by anyone," Ormiston said. "It's quite an achievement."
Ormiston said the award also shows other colleges and universities in the state that Marshall helps develop and foster the achievements of their professors.
On top of the trophy and recognition of her work, Lawrence received $10,000 for winning the award. Lawrence said she'll use the money to help pay for a new Mini Cooper, which is good timing because her car recently broke down.
Lawrence has been at Marshall since August 2001, when she was hired as an assistant professor of mathematics. She was promoted to associate professor in 2003, granted tenure in 2005 and promoted to professor in 2007. She received the Marshall University Distinguished Artists and Scholars Award for 2001 and 2006, the Marshall and Shirley Reynolds Outstanding Teacher Award for 2004 and the Charles E. Hedrick Outstanding Faculty Award in 2009.
She is married to Clayton T. Brooks, who is also a member of the Marshall faculty.
