Alumni

Mathew Pons

Class of '02

I finished my Ph.D. in mathematics in 2007 at the University of Virigina specializing in operator theory, functional analysis, and complex function theory with a particular focus on composition operators on spaces of analytic functions.  Currently I'm an assistant professor in the math department at North Central College in Naperville, IL (Chicago's biggest suburb).  The math department at UNCA certainly placed me on this path, but the most notable influence I see is in my teaching.  My professors (Peifer, McClure, Dohse, Gale, MacLean) opened my mind to the world of rigorous mathematics with passion and enthusiasm, and provided encouragement and assistance when necessary while at the same time pushing me to reach past the limits of my knowledge.  The example they set as instructors continues to shape my approach to learning. Ten years later, I'm still motivated by their passion for the subject and hope to pass this on to my students.