Debra L. Hydorn, professor of mathematics, received the “J. Christopher Bill Outstanding Faculty Service Award” during the University of Mary Washington opening faculty meeting on Thursday, August 21.
Rosemary Barra, interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty, said that Dr. Hydorn, who joined the UMW faculty in 1994, “has amassed an impressive list of service activities that have benefited the university, her department and the local community.”
Dr. Hydorn, who recently completed two terms as chair of the Department of Mathematics, has guided student involvement in survey development and data analysis for local nonprofit organizations, including Hope House, the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault, the Moss Free Clinic, the Fredericksburg Area Council of Youth and the Friends of the Rappahannock. She also has served as a statistical consultant for the Spotsylvania County Mentor Teacher Program, the Lake Anna Watershed Roundtable, Fort A.P. Hill and the Salvation Army.
Dr. Hydorn holds a doctorate in statistics from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and zoology from the University of Michigan. In addition, she has obtained grants from the university for a variety of projects, including curriculum development and computer usage in the undergraduate curriculum. She is a member of the American Statistical Association, the Mathematics Association of America, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Virginia Academy of Science.
An endowment that funds the “J. Christopher Bill Outstanding Faculty Service Award” was established through the generosity of Dr. Bill’s former students, colleagues, friends and family members. It recognizes his extraordinary service as a member of the University of Mary Washington teaching faculty from 1972-2001. Dr. Bill died in December 2001.
The selection criteria for the award stipulates that the recipient must have served a minimum of seven years as a member of the teaching faculty of the University of Mary Washington and must have been heavily and consistently involved in a variety of service capacities, including departmental, university-wide and community service. Nominations may be submitted by any member of the teaching faculty, staff or student body of the university.