Item 103-1014-R0599
May 20-21, 1999
ITEM 103-1014-R0599 Resolution Concerning the Retirement of Gloria C. Hewitt, Professor of Mathematical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences; The University of Montana-Missoula
THAT: Gloria Hewitt, Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, in her 38 years of dedicated service to The University of Montana, has merited the commendation of the Board of Regents of the Montana University System, and has earned the title of Professor Emeritus.
EXPLANATION: Gloria Hewitt was hired as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics in Fall 1961. She was born and raised in Summer, South Carolina, and received her B.A. from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. She received her M.S. (1960) and Ph.D. (1962) degrees from the University of Washington, becoming the third black woman in the U.S. to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics. She has been a demanding and inspirational teacher during her 38 years at the University, has supervised one Ph.D. and numerous Masters students, and has been a mentor to many undergraduate students. Professor Hewitt has served on numerous national committees and panels for various professional organizations and agencies including the Mathematical Association of America, the National Science Foundation, the National Security Agency and the National Academy of Sciences. She served as Chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences from 1995 to 1999. During this time she increased the visibility of the department, raised over $500,000 in gifts to endow innovative new programs to support undergraduate and graduate mathematics students, and oversaw renovations to modernize the Mathematics building. Professor Hewitt was recently recognized for her work with the 1999 UM Academic Administrator award. She is also profiled in the 1998 book, Women in Mathematics.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences is honored to recommend Professor Gloria C. Hewitt for Emeritus status.