The Mathematical Association of America is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Awards for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics: Karl-Dieter Crisman, James Sellers, and Matthew Morena. The Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Awards honor college or university professors who are widely recognized for extraordinary teaching effectiveness and whose influence extends beyond their own institutions.
Karl-Dieter Crisman, Gordon College
The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) proudly recognizes Karl-Dieter Crisman for his exceptional contributions to mathematics education. A professor at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, he has devoted 20 years to inspiring students through infectious enthusiasm and a deeply reflective approach to teaching as a craft.
Crisman's commitment extends well beyond the classroom. He has developed five courses, mentored undergraduate research leading to publications and conference participation, supported students in Putnam and GRE preparation, and fostered community as math club faculty coordinator and organizer of the department Math Forum. His creative teaching includes outdoor geometry activities designed to deepen understanding through active, experiential learning.
His reach extends far beyond Gordon College. Through programs in Chicago and Lynn, Massachusetts, Crisman has supported students from diverse backgrounds, and since 2014 he has taught computational mathematics at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Cape Town, South Africa.
The MAA is honored to recognize his passionate teaching and lasting contributions to the global mathematics community.
James Sellers, University of Minnesota Duluth
The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) is pleased to recognize James Sellers for his exceptional contributions to mathematics education. A professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Sellers has spent decades transforming how students see themselves in mathematics, fostering confidence, curiosity, and a genuine sense of belonging in every classroom he enters.
A student shared, “Dr. James Sellers changed the course of my life. Without a doubt, I chose to be a mathematics major because of his teaching…His investment in mathematics was evident through his pure passion and joy for the content – his enthusiasm and wonder are contagious!”
Sellers began his teaching career as a graduate student at Penn State before joining Cedarville University in Ohio, where he incorporated research projects into upper-level courses and co-authored numerous papers with students. He later served as Associate Head of Undergraduate Mathematics at Penn State, earning multiple teaching awards and a Fulbright Award to Austria.
His reach extends beyond the university through his courses with The Teaching Company, where his accessible teaching of foundational mathematics has reshaped how countless learners relate to the subject.
His impact on students within and far beyond the university classroom makes him a most deserving recipient of the Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award.
Matthew Morena, Christopher Newport University
The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) is delighted to recognize Matthew Morena for his remarkable contributions to mathematics education. A professor at Christopher Newport University, Morena has spent 12 years challenging and engaging students across nearly 20 courses, ensuring each leaves with a meaningful appreciation for the power of mathematics.
Morena's teaching is highly active and creative, incorporating instructional videos, campus photography, and outdoor activities to bring mathematical concepts to life. His innovative approaches have been published in PRIMUS, making them available to instructors nationwide.
Through Community-Engaged Learning, his students partner with local organizations to apply mathematics to real community needs, producing analyses that directly inform organizational decision-making. He also mentors students in long-term research projects modeling real-world phenomena, with many presenting their work at regional and national conferences.
Reflecting on the award, Morena wrote, “I am deeply honored to receive the Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award. I am grateful to the Mathematical Association of America, to the selection committee, and to the colleagues who supported this nomination.”
His innovative pedagogy, genuine care for students, and commitment to using mathematics as a force for community good make him a most deserving recipient of the Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award.
The MAA is proud to recognize Karl-Dieter Crisman, James Sellers, and Matthew Morena as the 2026 recipients of the Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics.
Learn more about the award and submit a nomination.
About MAA
The Mathematical Association of America is the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts. We accelerate our understanding of our world through mathematics because mathematics drives society and shapes our lives. Learn more at maa.org.