UF professor and associate dean appointed to National Commission on Math Instruction

A University of Florida associate dean has been appointed to a national mathematics board that promotes the advancement of mathematics education throughout the world.

Thomasenia Lott Adams, Ph.D., professor and associate dean for research and faculty development, was appointed to the U.S. National Commission on Mathematics Instruction as of Jan. 1, 2021. The commission is a standing committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Adams said she has dedicated her career to the practice, study and promotion of teaching and learning mathematics. The appointment is a recognition of her scholarship and contributions to the field of mathematics education on a global scale.

“Early in my career, I looked at scholars that I admired and wondered how they got to where they were,” Adams said. “I've been fortunate that many of my academic heroes were generous in giving me advice and guiding me in the right direction. That I might now be able to use the credibility that this appointment affords me to be a hero for an emerging colleague is of great value to me.”

“Most importantly though, I intend to use this platform to contribute my voice as an advocate for teachers and students of mathematics and to combat practices, systems, and ideologies that hinder the participation of people of all demographics in mathematics,” Adams added.

As associate dean, Adams leads the Office on Educational Research at the College of Education at UF. She was named among the Top 25 Education Professors in Florida in 2013. In 2012, she was featured by ESPNU as part of a special academic series, “SEC Stories of Success.” Her faculty profile can be found here.