Mathematics and Physics Department
About the Mathematics and Physics Department
Mission Statement
The primary mission of the Department of Mathematics and Physics is teaching of the
highest quality at the undergraduate level. The Department, through its various programs,
continually strives to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for
lifelong learning, an understanding of the physical aspects of the world in which
we live and the ability to comprehend physical science and mathematical advancements
and their benefits to our culture and future generations. To assist in the accomplishment
of this mission the Department of Mathematics and Physics encourages and supports
scholarship and research of the highest quality among the faculty. To provide outreach
and service as an educational institution, the Department of Mathematics and Physics
supports its faculty in utilizing their expertise to the benefit of the university
community and regional, state, national and international communities.
History
Department of Physics: The Department of Physics was founded in 1965 with Dr. Charlie Harper as department
head. In 1969, the Department moved to its present location in Carver Hall Annex.
In 1996, the Department of Physics established a Joint Faculty partnership with neighboring
Louisiana Tech University’s Institute for Micro-manufacturing and Physics Program
to share two faculty between the two institutions. In 1997, the Department’s curriculum
was expanded to include a concentration in Material Science. The Physics and Mathematics
departments merged in 2011 to form the Department of Mathematics and Physics.
Department of Mathematics: The Department of Mathematics has a long history of excellence. It strives to give
its majors and all others it serves a firm foundation in computation, comprehension,
and logical reasoning. The program is undergirded with a purpose to provide undergraduate
students with a firm training in computational skills and to enhance students’ comprehension
and logical reasoning skills to enable them to perform effectively as they undertake
professional careers. The Department revises and constantly updates the curricula
in line with the mainstream Mathematics education in the nation, keeping in mind the
University's uniqueness as a historically black university.
