< Faculty & Staff

Mathematics Instructors

Dr. Meredith Anne Higgs Associate Professor University Studies MTSU Box 16 Murfreesboro, TN 37132 Office: SAG 117 Office Phone: (615) 898-2550 E-mail: mhiggs@mtsu.edu

Education:

• Ed.D., Higher Education Administration, Vanderbilt University
• Ed.S., Administration and Supervision of Higher Education, MTSU
• M.Ed., Administration and Supervision of Higher Education, MTSU
• M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, MTSU
• Graduate Teaching Certificate, Vanderbilt University
• Graduate Certificate in Black Church Studies, Vanderbilt Divinity School, KMSI
• 18 graduate hours in Mathematics, MTSU
• B.S., Molecular Biology, Vanderbilt University

Work experience:

• Assistant Professor in University Studies, 1997-present (Leave of Absence 2001-2002)
• Tutor Training Coordinator, Present
• Mathematics Laboratory Co-Director, 3 years
• Tutor Training Co-Coordinator, 3 years
• Admissions Reader, Vanderbilt University
• Chemistry Instructor for the Vanderbilt Minority Engineering Summer Research Program
• Research Assistant and Laboratory Teaching Assistant in Molecular Biology, Vanderbilt University
• Tutor for Individuals and Groups in Chemistry and Calculus for the Learning Center, Vanderbilt University

A few achievements or accomplishments:

• TNADE, Outstanding Service to Students, 2006
• MTSU OWL's Professor of the Year, 2006
• Young Alumni of the Year, MTSU, 2003
• Mary Smith Lockwood Founder's Medal in Education, DAR, 2003
• International Alumnae Woman of Leadership Award, Alpha Omicron Pi, 2002
• MTSU OWL's Professor of the Year, 2001
• Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, 2001
• Nominee for MTSU's Outstanding Public Service Award, 2001 and 2000
• Nominated within MTSU for the Love Public Service Award, 2000
• Nominee (1 of 4) for MTSU's Award for Innovation in Technology in Teaching and Learning, 1999

Some interesting or time consuming projects:

• I volunteer extensively with patriotic and historical organizations.
• I serve as a volunteer tutor/mentor for rural youth-at-risk. I have worked with over 270 K-12 students on science and mathematics projects.
• Community Service Grant: Funding for science and mathematics day camp for Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Leaders, summer 2001
• Community Service Grant: Funding for science and mathematics fair workshops for k-12 teachers and students. Worked with over 50 educators and 240 students, 8/1999-12/2000
• Instructional Technology Development Grant: Course-release time to develop computer-aided animations for classroom use, 1/1999 - 5/1999
• Distance Learning Mini-grants: Funding to develop distance learning programs on learning styles-based instruction, science and mathematics fairs, and elementary-level science and mathematics activities. Presented via satellite video-conference to multi-county K-12 schools, fall 1998, fall 2000, fall 2001

Describe your teaching style:
I try to show true enthusiasm for the subject matter. I am creative. I use the ELMO, computers, graphing calculator, overhead projector, chalkboard, and dry-erase boards. I feel that small-group activities and cooperative learning are especially effective. I also employ interactive games and limited multimedia. I strongly believe that "getting and keeping" a student's attention is half of the learning challenge. Songs, chants, cheers, and mathematics games are all part of my classroom instructional repertoire.

What you like most about teaching:
I feel that all students can learn if 1) they are motivated and 2) they are provided avenues to achieve their learning goals. Therefore, I feel that learning is a process, a journey that does not stop at the classroom door. Moreover, I believe that students are not able to really grasp mathematics content until they have played an active role in the learning process and have taken responsibility for this process. This active role is the foundation of independent learning and independent scholarship.

What do you like least:
The activities that I like the least are activities that take away from the time that I have to give to students who want to learn. Paperwork! Yuck!

What do you expect from your students?
I expect students to come to class on-time and to be prepared. I expect students to complete homework assignments, to participate in classroom activities, and to seek help. I expect students to utilize all available resources.

What should they expect from you?
Students should expect that I will come to class prepared and will try to accommodate specific student needs.

Areas of interest outside the classroom:
I enjoy church activities, baton twirling, reading, hiking, and watching college basketball with my spouse.