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News Release

Towards Excellence - A Guide to Enrich Mathematical Research and Education for the 21st Century

Contact At AMS: Tim Goggins (401) 455-4110, FAX (401) 331-3842, tjg@ams.org

August 6, 1999

Providence, RI - In a unique effort, the American Mathematical Society (AMS) and its Task Force on Excellence announces the publication of Towards Excellence: Leading a Mathematics Department in the 21st Century. The book is a resource for mathematics departments at research universities to strengthen both mathematics instruction and research. The focus of the book is on Ph.D.-granting universities, although it can be of assistance to all colleges and universities with mathematics programs.

The book calls for mathematics departments to "fit" their goals within the framework of the mission of the university. The conclusions and recommendations were discussed at a leadership conference for teams of department leaders from over 25 research universities around the country. The conference attracted nearly 100 participants, with the goal of carrying back these ideas to departments to begin real change.

The book urges departments to:

  • Develop plans for the department that fit within the framework of the university's overall goals;
  • Place a greater emphasis on quality undergraduate instruction, since that is a high
    priority for almost every university;
  • Increase links with other scientific disciplines to aid the development of mathematical research as well as interdisciplinary work
  • Work and communicate more closely with deans.

The Exxon Education Foundation and National Science Foundation encouraged the Society to become involved by supporting the work of its Task Force on Excellence. Over the past several years, the Task Force met with more than 100 department chairs in focus groups, as well as groups of deans. The book also reports on site visits to departments with programs representing special efforts in various areas. Copies of the book, Towards Excellence, may be downloaded or ordered at http://www.ams.org/ towardsexcellence/.