Department of Mathematical Sciences

BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Katie Mawhinney, Cain Distinguished Professor in Science Education in the Appalachian State University Department of Mathematical Sciences, is the recipient of the 2026 Rankin Award from the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM). She was presented with the award at the State Mathematics Conference in Winston-Salem, NC, on November 5, 2026.

The Rankin Award recognizes and honors individuals for their outstanding contributions to NCCTM and to mathematics education in North Carolina. The award, named in memory of W. W. Rankin, Professor of Mathematics at Duke University and first recipient, is the highest honor NCCTM can bestow upon an individual.

Mawhinney has been a faculty member in the App State Department of Mathematical Sciences since 2003. She has held various leadership roles in her department, including director of the honors program, assistant chair, and director of the graduate program. In 2025, Mawhinney was selected to receive the 2024-25 Appalachian State University School/College Award from the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, recognizing excellence in teaching. She was appointed the Cain Distinguished Professor in Science Education later that year.

Congratulations to Dr. Mawhinney!

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About the Department of Mathematical Sciences
The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers undergraduate degrees in actuarial science and mathematics, with concentrations in business, computation, life sciences, physical sciences, secondary teaching and statistics, plus a general, self-designed concentration. The department also offers the Master of Arts in mathematics, with concentrations in college teaching and secondary teaching. Learn more about the Department of Mathematical Sciences

By Lauren Gibbs
November 6, 2026
BOONE, N.C.

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