Alvina J. Atkinson

Where are you from?

I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. I am a first-generation college graduate, and I received my first degree, a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, from Dillard University in New Orleans. After graduating from Dillard University, I moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and completed a Master of Arts degree in mathematics at the University of Northern Iowa. I received my Ph.D. in pure mathematics from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama and I studied difference equations with an emphasis on uniqueness implies existence arguments for Lidstone boundary value problems. My first full-time teaching position was at Fort Valley State University, an HBCU in Fort Valley, Georgia. I later transferred to Georgia Gwinnett College where I am currently a full professor of mathematics.

 

Please describe an experience (or 2) that helped you discover/cultivate your interest in the mathematical sciences.

My mother was a preschool teacher and I have admired her work since I was very young. When I was in fourth grade, I wanted to be a fourth-grade teacher. Math was challenging for me for the first time that year, but with the support of one of my older sisters, I was able to find success. During that time, I learned that hearing a different explanation could be impactful and make a difference in whether a concept was difficult or easy to understand. Learning this changed my view of challenging math concepts from “being difficult” to “needing a better explanation”. As I got older and encountered challenging math concepts, I would search for explanations that made the concept easier for me. Seeing the frustration of my classmates inspired me to share my explanations with them. By the time I was in eighth grade, I wanted to be an algebra teacher. When I was in ninth grade, I had my first job as a math tutor. In my tenth grade year, I remember watching The Oprah Winfrey Show. She introduced a black female psychologist whom she called, “doctor”. That was the first time I heard the term doctor being used to refer to someone who was not a medical doctor. I decided as a sophomore in high school that I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics. I wanted to be Dr. Johnson – and then my journey began.

 

What is/are your most proud accomplishment(s) regarding your career in the mathematical sciences?

Seeing my students thrive makes me most proud, professionally. A former student recently invited me to her graduation where she earned a Ph.D. in Statistics. When I think about her start as a freshman in my calculus class, as an agricultural engineering major, I cannot help but feel like her experience in my class had a positive impact on her. She eventually changed her major to mathematics, and in her senior year, I assisted her with getting a full scholarship to pursue graduate studies at my alma mater in Iowa. I enjoy being able to be a part of a student’s journey towards their academic goals. 

Another professional accomplishment that I am proud of is being able to share my thoughts and ideas to improve access to higher education. In the last few years, I have had amazing opportunities to do just that. I currently serve on the executive board of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC). I hold the position of Southeast Vice President. I also serve on the board of directors of the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM). I hold the position of Community College Representative. Serving in leadership within these two national mathematics organizations has been an awesome experience for me. Being able to work alongside other leaders in the mathematics community to provide programming to support mathematics educators and mathematics professionals across the country is one of the joys of my life. In addition to my service in those mathematical communities, I also serve on the University System of Georgia Advisory Council on General Education as the Mathematics Representative. In that role, I serve alongside a college president, provosts, directors, and professors across the state and share my view about the core curriculum in higher education for students across 26 institutions within the state of Georgia. 

One accomplishment that I am particularly proud of is when a mathematics colleague and I secured grant funding from a foundation to start a summer mathematics enrichment program for middle school students. The Mathematics in Action (MiA) Scholars Program was our idea that was launched in the summer of 2012 at Georgia Gwinnett College. The program goals were centered around changing the narrative about mathematics and STEM education by introducing students to STEM careers through a lunch and learn series, challenging stereotypes about who mathematicians are and what they do, and engaging students in “mathematics in action” by focusing on interesting applications of mathematics in engineering, finance, epidemiology, music, architecture, cryptography, and criminology – just to name a few. This was a passion project for us, and for six years we served hundreds of middle school students from Georgia and neighboring states in our program. Many of those students went on to major in STEM programs in college.

 

What is/are your most proud accomplishment(s) regarding your personal life?

I have many accomplishments in my personal life. First, I will share that I love being a wife and a mother to my three amazing children. I am also proud to be a member of the dynamic sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Additionally, I am proud to be a co-author of the Georgia Gwinnett College alma mater. There was a competition to write the alma mater for the college in 2010. A student and I collaborated and wrote the lyrics, and a faculty colleague composed the music. After a student vote, our song was selected as the winner. Our alma mater has been performed at every commencement ceremony at my college since the spring of 2011. This accomplishment makes me incredibly proud. I feel like I am a part of every commencement ceremony at the college. 

 

Please share some words of wisdom/inspiration.

One of my favorite quotes says, “Whether you believe you can or you believe you can’t, you are right”. What is so remarkable about this quote, in my opinion, is that it reminds us that what we believe about ourselves is powerful. If you believe you can do it, whatever “it” is, then you are setting yourself up for success. However, if you believe that you cannot do it, then you are creating an obstacle for yourself. I like sharing this quote with my students who tell me that they cannot learn mathematics, hoping to empower them to believe in their mathematical abilities. 

If you are reading this, then I encourage you to truly believe that you can accomplish something great. When you believe that you can do it, you are taking the first step toward reaching your goal.