Mat-Su College professor receives a '2010 CASE U.S. Professor of the Year Award'

Congratulations to "PT" Chang!

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) just announced that Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) College professor, Ping-Tung "PT" Chang, Ph.D., is a recipient of the 2010 United States Professor of the Year. Chang, who's taught at UAA's Mat-Su College for 22 years, received this award at a ceremony held in Washington D.C. this afternoon. In 2009, Dr. Chang was named by CASE as Alaska's Professor of the Year; regional awards are given to educators in each state. The 2010 award honors the best of the best in the nation.
 
Ping-Tung Chang is known for his ability to teach students who are "afraid" of, or have been unable to, succeed in learning mathematics. "We are proud to have Dr. Chang teaching at UAA," said Chancellor Fran Ulmer. "His talent for teaching, dedication to his students and commitment to their success exemplify the qualities of an outstanding educator and serve as a model for others. This award is richly deserved!"

According to CASE, the Professors of the Year program salutes the most outstanding undergraduate instructors in the country -- those who excel in teaching and positively influence the lives and careers of students. This is the only national program to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring.

"Dr. Chang fervently believes it is his mission to change the way people view the teaching of mathematics," said Dennis Clark, former director of Mat-Su College. "I think you would be hard pressed to find a person who puts more heart and soul into the success of his students than Dr. Chang."

Current College director, Dr. Talis Colberg said, "Even in my short time as director it has become apparent that Dr. Chang is very dedicated to his students. It is also clear that this college is his real home."

Dr. Chang has maintained close ties with Taiwan and China. He's written a mathematics textbook in the Chinese language that is now used by several universities in China. In the United States and China, many have found Dr. Chang's methods to be successful in the teaching of mathematics to students who have been unsuccessful in learning the subject matter.

The CASE is a professional association serving educational institutions and the advancement professionals who work on their behalf in alumni relations, communications, marketing and development.

Matanuska-Susitna College, a University of Alaska Anchorage community campus, offers more than 200 courses to 1,900 students on the beautiful 950-acre campus -- the largest in the University of Alaska system.