Christine Kelley, PhD, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) mathematics professor, will join the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) as the new MAA Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching) Director on September 1, 2023. As an active member of the MAA, Kelley brings her extraordinary teaching ability and leadership to the association’s mission to advance the understanding of mathematics and its impact on our world.
I'm delighted to have Dr. Kelley take on the leadership of MAA Project NExT. Her prior experience as a Project NExT Fellow, organizing the Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics, and her deep experience advising graduate students shows that she has the background and knowledge to understand and support early-career faculty. Under her leadership, I expect MAA Project NExT to continue its role building the future of the mathematical sciences community.
Michael Pearson, MAA executive director
As a fellow MAA Project NExT’er herself (2008-2009), Christine brings a distinctive perspective and set of experiences to the role.
“Project NExT taught me how to think critically about teaching, exposed me to diverse teaching methods, and gave me practical tools and training to succeed as a new faculty member in mathematics,” Kelley said. “Moreover, it gave me an instant community and a sense of belonging in the field.”
“I am thrilled and honored to oversee such an impactful program,” added Kelley. “I look forward to working with the MAA, the Project NExT Team, and the cohorts of fellows as we embark on a new chapter in these changing times.”
In addition to her role as a mathematics professor at UNL, Kelley has co-chaired the Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics (NCUWM) since 2013, and has been on its organizing committee since 2008. She has also chaired the UNL College of Arts & Sciences’ Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access (IDEA) committee, on which she still serves, as well as other committees aimed at promoting a more equitable and inclusive community. Christine is a member of the MAA, AMS, AWM, SIAM, and IEEE (Information Theory Society), and co-editor of a special issue series “Graph Theory and Applications” in La Matematica.
About MAA Project NExT
The MAA Project NExT professional development program addresses all aspects of an academic career: improving the teaching and learning of mathematics, engaging in research and scholarship, identifying interesting service opportunities, and participating in professional activities. The program also provides participants with a network of peers and mentors as they assume these responsibilities. Since its launch in 1994, over 1,700 Fellows from a wide variety of institutions have participated in MAA Project NExT.
About MAA
The Mathematical Association of America is the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts. We accelerate the understanding of our world through mathematics because mathematics drives society and shapes our lives. Learn more at maa.org.
