Most general education students enter her classroom with a resistance to math, but Dr. Josie Ryan, professor of mathematics at Lander University, insists that almost anyone can develop fundamental mathematical skills with enough faith and effort.
"I believe everyone can do math to a certain level," said Ryan. "I refuse to allow them to whine or complain. I encourage them to ask questions, but to think carefully about what they need to ask. Half of conquering fear is thinking clearly about what frightens us."
The amount of care and attention Ryan pours into her courses and her pupils has not gone unnoticed by her colleagues, who chose to award Ryan with the Moore Award for Excellence in General Education Teaching. It's given annually to a member of Lander's faculty who embodies the same commitment to general education as its namesake, Dr. John Moore, professor of philosophy at Lander. Fellow members of the Lander faculty attest that Ryan, too, fits the bill.
"She pushes her students to work harder than they would like," said Dr. Lillie Craton, director of the Honors College and professor of English, who nominated Ryan for the award. "For Josie, learning requires doing, and she is a relentless cheerleader for students to do more than they thought possible."
Dr. Sean Barnette, associate professor of English and Lander's 2018 distinguished professor, echoed Craton's comments, saying Ryan "refuses to let students give up on themselves or get away with less than their best because she believes that everyone is capable of learning. She is one of the most dedicated and caring teachers I've ever met."
For Ryan, that extra "push" comes from a sincere desire to see her students reach their full potential, both in her class and in life. It's a desire that was instilled in her from her own teachers, who gave her so much more than her love for mathematics. "I think of the people they were and how they taught me, the courage they gave me and confidence they had in me," Ryan said. "If I don't teach my students to be honorable, brave, confident and faithful to who they are meant to be, then I have not kept faith with my own teachers."
Her passion for her work and for her students is often extended outside the time spent together in class. Dr. Ryan can be spotted at University athletic events and student activities throughout any given academic year.
And once a week, she invites her classes to join her for dinner in Lander's Dining Hall-a trend set by Ryan in 2014 that is now practiced by several of her colleagues. Discussions during "Dinner with Dr. Ryan" often cover a wide array of topics, including school advice and extracurricular activities, as well as topics unrelated to academics. "They talk about their lives," Ryan said. "They need a grown-up they can run things by or to just hang out with an adult."
The devotion she shows for Lander University serves as an inspiration to her students, motivating them to give their studies, as well as all aspects of campus life, the same level of devotion and care. "Dr. Ryan's dedication to her students is apparent," said Dr. Christopher Duncan, chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computing. "She frequently has so many students during office hours that they are in the hallway and department's conference room learning and doing mathematics aided by Dr. Ryan's instruction."
It's this level of dedication that made her the perfect recipient of this year's Moore Award for Excellence in General Education Teaching. "Dr. Ryan invests herself deeply in her students' success," said Dr. Scott Jones, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, in his announcement to campus of Ryan's achievement. "For her wholehearted commitment to students' wellbeing, we are proud to present Dr. Josie Ryan with this award."