The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) is proud to announce Nancy Ann Neudauer as the 2026 recipient of the Yueh-Gin Gung and Dr. Charles Y. Hu Award for Distinguished Service to Mathematics.

Yueh-Gin Gung and Dr. Charles Y. Hu Award for Distinguished Service to Mathematics
This award honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to mathematics and significantly and positively influenced the field of mathematical education on a national scale.

About This Year’s Recipient
Dr. Neudauer is a Professor of Mathematics at Pacific University and has dedicated her career to building vibrant mathematical communities both in the United States and abroad. She has strengthened the MAA’s Pacific Northwest Section through 19 years as Associate Director of Project NExT and as Section Chair, and she revitalized the region’s annual Combinatorial Potlatch conference, now the Cascadia Combinatorial Feast. “She goes out of her way to bring new discrete math faculty in the Pacific Northwest to the Potlatch so that they quickly find a network and sense of belonging in the community,” noted a colleague.

Her international contributions are equally remarkable. Supported by multiple Fulbright grants, Dr. Neudauer has taught, mentored, and built research communities across Africa and South America. She founded the Workshop for African Women in Discrete Mathematics and has helped establish a new generation of women mathematicians in Africa. Nationally, she has served in numerous MAA leadership roles, including Director of the Dolciani Enrichment Grant Program and Associate Secretary, while advancing research and collaboration in combinatorics and matroid theory.

The 2026 Gung and Hu Award celebrates Dr. Neudauer’s extraordinary service, leadership, and commitment to fostering inclusive, connected, and thriving mathematics communities worldwide.

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.