Dr. Matt Myers
Associate Professor of Mathematics
B.S., Mississippi University for Women
M.S., Clemson University
A.B.D, Clemson University
Ph.D., Mississippi State University
Office: 136 Smith-Broyles Science Center
Phone: (479) 979-1468
E-Mail: mmyers@ozarks.edu
Most people perceive mathematics to be a tool that it used to quantify and qualify the tangible world around us. As a result, a common question asked by students in mathematics is, “when will we ever use this?” This question reveals that, in the student’s opinion, any mathematics worthy of study must have some application in the tangible world. But mathematics is much more than a tool for finances, engineering, and opinion poles. Like an iceburg that only exposes about 10% of its volume above the surface of the water, the application of mathematics that comprises most of what we see in our tangible world, is a very small part of the composition of mathematics. Mathematics has done much more than give us representations of what we can see and touch, it has also spoken to us through its tight logic and irrefutable calculations to introduce us to concepts and issues that have challenged our intellect and made us question our preconceived notions and ideas of our universe and our place in it. Topics such as irrational numbers, negative numbers, infinity, and complex numbers have challenged and redefined our perceptions, our way of thinking, and even our view of the world. Through mathematical calculations we have been introduced to objects in our universe that we might never have been able to imagine or experience otherwise. We have been introduced to various concepts such as black holes and relativity by mathematics as it spoke to us through its logic and unbiased perception of the universe. It has even caused us to question our philosophical and theological beliefs. It is because of this diversity, versatility, depth, and scope that there have been no accurate definitions given to this intriguing discipline. The best that has been done has been to define various branches of mathematics or describe it in terms of how it is applied in a particular field.
While most students will seldom encounter these broader, more abstract aspects of mathematics in their future lives and careers, I believe that in a liberal arts based education it is just as important for them to be aware of these aspects of mathematics as it is for them to be familiar with human history and classic literature. The relevance of the broader forms of mathematics is best described in the words of Charles Krauthammer
"That it should have to justify itself by its applications, as a tool for making the mundane bearable or improving the ephemeral, is an affront not just to mathematics but to the creature that invented it. What higher calling can there be than searching for useless and beautiful truths? Number theory is as beautiful and no more useless than mastery of the balance beam or the well-thrown forward pass, and our culture expends enormous sums on those exercises without asking what higher ends they serve."
So why should college students consider studying mathematics? Mathematics is an integral part of many fields of study and can prepare a student for a variety of careers that are science related. For instance, someone with a degree in mathematics can market themselves in a variety of engineering fields. Almost all branches of engineering require extensive mathematical training and many companies like to hire mathematics majors and then train them for the company’s specific needs in engineering.
Furthermore, there is a market for mathematicians in fields that are not usually considered mathematically intensive, such as biology or psychology. Students with a degree in mathematics or statistics can consider careers in Biometrics, Psychometrics, and even Law.
There are many aspects of U of O that I find attractive but there are three which I see as foundational to my appreciation of this institution. The first is the small school atmosphere. I enjoy teaching and, to me, teaching involves getting to know the students. The smaller class size provides more opportunities for each student to interact with the teacher. It is through this interaction that the teacher is better able to grasp the strengths and weaknesses of the student and make the necessary adjustments in the material presentation.
The second aspect that I like about U of O is its emphasis on teaching. Although I enjoy my particular discipline of mathematics, it is the teaching of mathematics that gives me the greater satisfaction. I appreciate the fact that U of O does not require me to expend my energies on tasks and duties that would detract from or have little bearing on what I do in the classroom and with my students.
Finally, I appreciate the academic atmosphere of U of O. Along with being a school that promotes excellence in academic endevours, it is also a church based school where faculty and students are free to discuss Biblical principles and ideas related to the subject matter of the classroom. But at the same time, U of O fosters and atmosphere where Biblical concepts can be examine and questioned in order to test the validity of traditional beliefs and interpretations. As a result, each individual is given the freedom to form his or her own beliefs about the creator and how that creator is best served.
Away from work, I have various other interests such as woodworking, fishing with my son, and playing domino and card games. However, my greatest intellectual interest outside of mathematics is Biblical/theological studies. Although I call this an intellectual interest, it is a passion that originates from my relationship with Jesus Christ. In fact, when I began my college career my goal was to acquire a bachelor’s degree in a ministry related field and then continue my education in seminary. However, circumstances indicated this was not the path I was to take and I settled into a career in mathematics. Looking back, I can see that this decision was just what I needed for my Biblical/theological interest. My mathematical training has given me a perspective on scripture that I may never have acquired with a degree from seminary. This perspective has caused me to re-evaluate some of my own beliefs and I try to get others to re-examine their beliefs so that together we can come to a more accurate understanding of who God is and what the scripture really says.
