Dean, College of Sciences and Mathematics
“Education is freedom. With that freedom comes responsibility. At SFA, we prepare students academically and personally to enter the workforce with confidence in their ability to make a positive contribution to society.”
What drew you to the higher education world?
My love of learning and genuine concern for students challenged me to expand my own educational opportunities and move into teaching, first at the high school level, then on to higher education. Through my own children, I realized how important the teacher’s understanding of mathematics content influenced my children’s understanding of, and appreciation for, the language of mathematics. Therefore, I have spent the majority of my career in higher education teaching mathematics and designing programs to enhance educational opportunities for teachers.
What do you enjoy most about your role at SFA?
I enjoy most the expanded view of higher education I have now. Having served in both faculty and administrative ranks, I appreciate the role of committed educators at all levels, realizing how each of us contributes to the infrastructure of higher education. I have a deep commitment to students and faculty alike and a sincere respect for upper administrators and governing board members as together we build powerful educational opportunities for students.
What do you hope students gain from SFA?
I want students to value their educational opportunities and to optimize their time here at SFA in a way that opens the door to a bright, productive future. As students become embedded in the SFA culture, they learn not only disciplinary specific content, but also the art of how to engage in meaningful dialogue, interact in a respectful way and present themselves in a professional manner.
What are you passionate about outside of your role at SFA?
I am passionate about people. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and sharing life with them. It is always an honor and a privilege to speak to various groups about life lessons and the intricate design that develops for each of us as we observe how the puzzle pieces of our lives begin to complete the picture of our own unique story.
Education and Experience
Academic Experience
- Dean, College of Sciences and Mathematics
SFA (April 2012 – present) - Interim Dean, College of Sciences and Mathematics
SFA (August 2010 – April 2012) - Associate Dean, College of Sciences and Mathematics
SFA (2008 – August 2010) - Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
SFA (2006 – present) - Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics,
SFA (2002 – 2006) - Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics,
SFA (1996 – 2002) - Assistant Professor, Mathematics Education
University of Texas at Tyler (1995 – 1996) - Interim Dean of Academic Affairs
Lon Morris College (1994 – 1995) - Instructor and Chair, Department of Mathematics
Lon Morris College (1988 – 1994) - Part-time Instructor of Mathematics
Tyler Junior College (1988 – 1990) - Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
SFA (1987 – 1988) - Part-time Instructor of Mathematics
Lon Morris College (1985 – 1988) - Instructor and Chair, Department of Mathematics
Jacksonville High School (1979 – 1982) - Instructor, Department of Mathematics
Galveston Ball High School (1978 – 1979)
Education
- Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction/Mathematics Education
Texas A&M University (1995) - M.S. in Mathematics Teaching
SFA (1988) - B.S. in Mathematics
Dallas Baptist University (1977) - Provisional Teaching Certification in Mathematics and English (1977)
Awards / Achievements
- Principal investigator, co-principal investigator and/or author of approximately $10 million National Science Foundation Grant awards
- Principal investigator, co-principal investigator and/or author of approximately $3 million Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board grant awards
- University Professional Women, Woman of the Year
SFA (2015) - Appointment to the National Committee on the Mathematical Education of Teachers (COMET) (2005-2008)
- Texas Section Mathematical Association of America Project NExT Fellow
- Chair, Texas Section of the Mathematical Association of America (2005–2006)
- Stephen F. Austin State University Foundation Award for Faculty Achievement in Teaching (2005)
- Teaching Excellence Award College of Sciences and Mathematics
SFA (2001)
Contact
Kimberly M. Childs
Dean, College of Sciences and Mathematics
936.468.2805
kchilds@sfasu.edu
Box 13034, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, Texas 75962