Mathematics - Pacific Union College

Mathematicsat Pacific Union CollegeFacultySteve Waters, D.A., chairLloyd Best, M.A.Roy Benton, Ph.D.Chantel Blackburn, M.S.Degrees & ProgramsMathematics, B.S.Biomathematics, B.S.apply.puc.eduenroll@puc.edu1.800.862.7080A Conversation with Steve Waters, D.A.Professor of Mathematics, Department ChairDo you have to be a math whiz to be amath major?Absolutely not! But you do have to have a curiosityabout patterns (geometric, algebraic, numerical,verbal, thought) and a willingness to stay focused ona problem for more than a few minutes. It also helpsto develop a joyful attitude over discovering problemsolvingtechniques that don’t work as you refine yourskills in finding those that do.Are math majors destined to wearpocket protectors?I don’t know of any math majors who wear a pocketprotector, but many purchase a supply of coloredpens and pencils. Our majors blend in with otherstudents and have incredibly wide-ranging interests.Just listen for people laughing and studyingtogether at the departments of computer science,mathematics, and physics. But be warned: Once youjoin the sociable group there, it will be hard to leave.You are known to avoid shoes. Why?I think that it’s important to clarify that I havenothing against shoes; I just don’t particularly likethem on my own feet. Fortunately, the mathematicscommunity at PUC believes in making peoplecomfortable in their mathematical pursuits, soshoe-wearing is optional. Besides, what better placeis there to go barefoot than here in God’s vacationhome on Earth.What does mathteach you aboutfaith?It teaches me to beclear with myself aboutstarting assumptionsand reasoningstructures; it helpsme to understand thatsome topics can bestbe understood from new and different points of view;and it helps to give me a perspective on just howmuch I don’t know about God’s wonderful creationand the ways that we attempt to make sense of itthrough our reasoning. I feel fortunate to work in alearning community that is always willing and eagerto engage in conversation on virtually any topic and isjust as willing to accept the Holy Spirit’s influence onthose conversations.Continue the conversation by writing toSteve Waters at majors@puc.edu.To read about a different major, visitpuc.edu/majorscards.

Mathematicsat Pacific Union CollegeGraduate StudiesThe B.S. in mathematicsprepares students for graduate orcertification studies in a varietyof areas:• Mathematics• Statistics• Computer science• Physics• Computational biology• Operations research• Applied statistics• Actuarial certificationCareersOur students go on to many areasof work with their math degrees:• Insurance and investmentcareers• Medical professions• Government careers• Business and industry positions• Mathematical research• Secondary school teachers• Math professorsAcademically Outstanding. Spiritually Authentic.Enrollment ServicesOne Angwin AvenueAngwin, CA 94508