SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE MATH DEPARTMENT HEAD GETS AWARD

The chairman of the mathematics department at Southeast Missouri State University has been recognized nationally for his work in the mathematics field.

The department chairman, Harold Hager, was one of six to be recognized recently with a "certificate of meritorious service" from the Missouri Section of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). The award was presented at the January joint meeting of the American Mathematical Society and the MAA held in San Antonio, Texas. The award recognizes his many years of leadership and service in promoting the interests of mathematics.

"I felt proud that the people within the state of Missouri had recognized my service to mathematics in this way," Hager said. "It was a great moment."

A Cape Girardeau native, Hager said he developed an interest in mathematics in high school. He said Grace Williams, his mathematics teacher at Cape Girardeau Central Senior High School, was one of the greatest influences in his pursuing mathematics.

He also credits the late Russell Michel, a professor and adviser during Hager's undergraduate years at Southeast and later his department chairman and colleague, for inspiring him in the mathematics field.

Hager is a 1954 graduate of Southeast, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education with a major in math. He also holds a master's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a doctoral degree from the University of Missouri-Rolla. Hager has been a member of the Southeast faculty for more than 35 years.

In addition, Hager has been active in promoting mathematical awareness in the community through talks to civic organizations and has been a member and strong supporter of the Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Missouri Mathematical Association for the Advancement of Teacher Training.

The MAA is the world's largest organization devoted to the interests of collegiate mathematics.