Hudson awarded 2019 M. Edward Jones Engagement Award

Dr. Rick Hudson, associate professor of mathematics and chair of the Mathematics Department at the University of Southern Indiana, was named the 2019 recipient of USI's M. Edward Jones Engagement Award at the fifth annual Celebration of Engagement on Tuesday, February 26.

The M. Edward Jones Engagement Award is awarded annually by USI Outreach and Engagement and recognizes an individual, group, or project for excellence in leadership, commitment of quality, tireless service and dedication to lifelong learning in fulfilling the outreach missions of USI.

"Rick works to support K-12 teaching through making connections with teachers, providing them with professional development and serving mathematics education organizations at the state and national level," said Doris Mohr, associate professor of mathematics. "He always has K-12 teachers and mathematics education first and foremost in his mind and in his heart,"

After completing his education and returning to USI as a faculty member, Hudson began working on several outreach projects. He focuses on science, technology, engingeering and mathematics (STEM) program outreach and has been working with the Indiana Council of Teachers Mathematics State Math contest since 2011.

Hudson has focused his career on supporting teachers to develop productive instructional practices for teaching mathematics. Through collaborations with other institutions of higher education, Hudson has led multiyear professional development experiences for teachers in Vanderburgh, Greene and Lake Counties in Indiana.

"Nowhere have I met anyone with Rick's dedication and determination to advance the work of the University through community outreach and service, particularly in the area of mathematics education," said Mohr.

Hudson received a bachelor's degree in mathematics teaching from USI  in 2002, a master's degree in mathematics from the University of Louisville in 2004, and a doctoral degree  in mathematics education from Indiana University in 2010. Hudson was the 2002 recipient of the USI President's Medal, awarded annually to one graduating senior who has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence as well as service to USI and the community.

The Celebration of Engagement is an annual event held to celebrate the University's rich history of community partnerships. This year's event focused on student success and featured talks by Dr. Ronald S. Rochon, USI president, heads of Outreach and Engagement programs, and a student success panel with USI students and administrators.

For more information about the Celebration of Engagement and the M. Edward Jones Engagement Award, visit USI.edu/Celebration.

By Emma Balzer, USI Opportunity Development Communications Intern