Darry Andrews, director, Mathematics and Statistics Learning Center (MSLC), has been selected for a 2013 Distinguished Staff Award for his exceptional accomplishments, leadership, and service to the university community.

According to the nomination letters, the overwhelming success of the MSLC can be traced to Darry Andrews.

In the eight years Andrews has been with the MSLC, he has made an impact on the growth and expansion of the tutoring system. He has reshaped how math is taught to students through eLearning, including the use of technology in the classroom and the development of online courses and a massive open online course. He implemented the use of cell phones in place of clickers to allow easier communication with students in a large lecture class, videotaping and posting lectures online, producing videos that illustrate math concepts and organizing e-recitations.

As one nominator noted, “Darry Andrews has played a key role in the Department of Mathematics ongoing efforts to improve every aspect of our teaching.”

With a “students-first” philosophy, Andrews’ new programs continue to further the mission of MSLC to provide free services to students such as tutoring, access to exam review materials and math content workshops.

Andrews’ contributions extend beyond MSLC. He assisted in the Math Enrichment Component for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s Bridge Program, which aids in a seamless transition from high school to college for incoming underrepresented students.

“Not only does Darry assist the Bridge Program from a programmatic standpoint, but he also unselfishly dedicates his entire staff, himself and his time as he passionately mentors individual students who are challenged by the rigors of math.”

The university’s Distinguished Staff Award annually recognizes 12 staff members for exceptional accomplishments, leadership and service to the university community. The honorees have significantly improved or enhanced the quality of worklife in ways that make a substantial difference for their colleagues; contributing to outstanding and sustained improvements in customer services; and developing creative solutions to problems that result in significantly more effective and efficient university operations. The Office of Human Resources awards honorees a $1,500 cash award and a $700 increase to their base salary.