MSU Mathematics Professor Receives National Teaching Award

BOZEMAN — Montana State University assistant professor Elizabeth Arnold has been awarded one of the nation’s top honors for mathematics education, the 2025 Henry L. Alder Award from the Mathematical Association of America.

The award recognizes early-career faculty whose teaching has been exceptionally successful and whose impact on undergraduate mathematics education extends beyond the classroom. Arnold is among only three professors nationwide to receive the prestigious recognition this year.

“It’s kind of neat to come full circle,” said Arnold, who joined MSU’s Department of Mathematical Sciences faculty last year after earning her Ph.D. in mathematics education from the same institution.

The Alder Award represents the culmination of a competitive process. Nominees must first receive a regional MAA Early Career Teaching Award, which Arnold earned in 2024 for the association’s Rocky Mountain Section, before being eligible for the national honor.

Innovative Teaching Methods

Arnold’s approach to mathematics education emphasizes practical application over traditional rote learning. She focuses on mathematical modeling — the process that uses math to analyze, make predictions and provide insight into real-world phenomena.

“We’ll show them, ‘Here’s how you engage in math modeling. Here’s how you do mathematics. It’s not just you sitting at a desk writing a bunch of equations,'” Arnold said.

This methodology is particularly relevant as Montana works to strengthen its STEM education pipeline. Arnold’s teaching philosophy extends beyond pure mathematics to prepare students for diverse career paths.

“A lot of undergrads who take the math-major courses go on to graduate school, where they will be teaching, or others will be teaching in some other kind of capacity,” Arnold said. “I like to expand their view of the different kinds of careers that you can do with mathematics and the different kinds of problems you can focus on.”

Recognition of Teaching Excellence

Elizabeth Burroughs, head of MSU’s Department of Mathematical Sciences, praised Arnold’s classroom innovation.

“I’m consistently impressed by Liz’s creativity in the classroom,” Burroughs said. “She brings the disposition of a scholar – curiosity, diligence, focus – to her teaching and adds to it her spirit of empathy and her high standards for students.”

The MAA selected Arnold for her “inspiring and inclusive approach to teaching, which ignites a passion for learning in her students and enriches the broader mathematical community.”

Montana’s STEM Education Profile

Arnold’s national recognition underscores Montana’s growing reputation in mathematics education. Her career trajectory — from MSU graduate student to nationally recognized faculty member — demonstrates the university’s ability to both develop and retain top-tier STEM educators.

The award also highlights the importance of hands-on, applied learning in mathematics education, moving away from traditional approaches that often discourage student engagement.

“It’s just nice to see families and the students smiling and having fun, because I feel like math is often perceived as ‘Ugh! Yuck!’ and not fun,” Arnold said.

Arnold’s recognition comes at a time when Montana universities are working to address STEM workforce needs and improve mathematics education outcomes across the state.

“The result is an award-winning teacher,” Burroughs said.