Jim Cangelosi Named Utah's 2011 Carnegie Professor of the Year

According to Utah State University professor Jim Cangelosi, most people have fallen prey to a common ruse.

“Their experiences with textbook-driven ‘school math’ have left them with the impression mathematics is a robotic activity with either ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers,” says Cangelosi, who joined the faculty of USU’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics in 1982. “’I’m no good at math’ is a common refrain – thus, it’s a joyous challenge for me to immerse students in the culture of authentic mathematics and rock their world.”

Recognized for his dedication to students and contributions to the field of math education, Cangelosi was named a 2011 Carnegie Professor of the Year. One of 31 professors from across the nation selected for this year’s prestigious honor, the Louisiana native’s award was announced at a Nov. 17 ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Administered by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, the award recognizes outstanding professors for their influence on teaching and their extraordinary commitment to undergraduate education. Cangelosi is the 11th Utah State professor to receive the award since the program’s 1981 inception. USU has more than twice as many honorees as any other higher education institution in Utah.

“Do the math: Jim Cangelosi has voluntarily expanded his teaching load to 2.5 times the average load for his department and has employed more than 200 students on his funded projects,” says USU President Stan Albrecht. “His commitment to the success of each of his students is incredible and it’s an honor to have him on our faculty.”

USU College of Science Dean Jim MacMahon calls Cangelosi a vital spirit in the college and an accomplished educator of national repute.

“He is well liked and respected among his colleagues, but his students are among his most enthusiastic fans,” MacMahon says.

“Dr. Cangelosi has a way of blending critique with encouragement that leaves me feeling like I am capable of more than I thought possible,” says Morgan Summers ’11. “He does this, in part, by making an explicit distinction between my worth as a person and the quality and value of my work.”
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