Parallel Program prof earns doctorate

CARLA MORRIS, University Parallel Program in Dover, recently received her doctorate from UD in the field of operations research.

A Dover resident of Native American descent, Morris has been on the UD faculty for 14 years, and teaches mathematics and statistics. She began studying for her doctoral degree in 1992.

"It was very satisfying to get it done," Morris said, "especially since I could only take one course at a time because of my teaching responsibilities."

Morris said she tries to make courses involving algebra, calculus and statistics interesting for her students and said she believes that a positive atmosphere in the classroom enhances learning.

"I try to keep the atmosphere relaxed," she said. "I try to encourage exchange of ideas and urge students to ask questions. I'll toss out a joke or two, and I am very approachable both on campus and by telephone at home.

"Seeing that I can change attitudes of some of the students about math courses is especially satisfying," Morris said. "I've seen some students decide to take more than the required number of math courses, and that's very satisfying to me, knowing that I played a role in stimulating that interest."

Morris said she also feels good when she sees her students enjoy their own success.

"Last spring," she said, "I had an adult student who had been struggling with her course because she had been away from math for so long. I gave a test in the latter part of the semester and she got an A-minus. She came into class so excited. It all came together for her. It made me feel good to see she had achieved such success."

According to Ray Callahan, associate dean of history and social sciences in arts and science, who had worked with Morris for several years, "Carla Morris exemplifies all that is best in the Parallel Program faculty–dedication to students, a willingness to teach imaginatively and a determination to maintain their own scholarly standards at a very high level."