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Etta Z. Falconer Lecture Series

The Etta Z. Falconer Mathematics Lecture Series honors and celebrates the memory and legacy of Etta Z. Falconer, Ph.D., Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Mathematics at Spelman College until her retirement in 2002.

Dr. Falconer earned her doctorate degree from Emory University with a dissertation titled, “Quasigroups Invariant Under Isotopy,” directed by Trevor Evans. She began teaching at Spelman in 1965 and served the College with distinction for 37 years, contributing vision, leadership and tireless energy.

I have devoted my entire life to increasing the number of highly qualified African Americans in mathematics and mathematics related careers. High expectations, the building of self confidence, and the creation of a nurturing environment have been essential components for the success of these students. They have fully justified my beliefs. Perhaps the most rewarding moments have come when younger faculty have undertaken the same goal and have surpassed my efforts -- reaching out to the broader community to help minorities and women achieve in mathematics. End of Quote

Falconer Devoted Her Life to the Education of Future Mathematicians

Etta Z. Falconer Lecture Series at Spelman

Among her many official roles, Dr. Falconer served as chair of the Department of Mathematics, chairperson of the Division of Natural Sciences, associate provost for science programs and policy, and interim provost of the College.

In these and other professional roles beyond the College, she initiated and led many special projects which have increased the participation of women, African Americans and other under-represented groups in mathematics, science and engineering careers. Her work continues to have far-reaching impact today.

In 1995, Dr. Falconer was awarded the Association for Women in Mathematics' Louise Hay Award for Contributions to Mathematics Education.

At Spelman, Dr. Falconer's legacy includes a significant impact on the dual degree engineering program, the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Scholars Program, and the Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE) Program, as well as several science departments. The science building is named Albro-Falconer-Manley Science Center in her honor.

Past Etta Z. Falconer Lecture Speakers

2023

Speaker: Dr. Valerie Camille Jones, director of Curriculum and Instruction at the Ron Clark Academy, and the founder of MATHESTEEM.

Lecture: Dr. Jones shared her expertise and insights on the importance of creating inclusive and equitable mathematics education for all students.
2022

Speaker: Dr. Leona Harris, C'95, Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion American Mathematical Society
Lecture: "The Making of a Mathematician through Inspiration, Empowerment, and Mentorship: Reflections on My Mathematical Journey"
2021

Speaker: Dr. Leona Harris, C'95, Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion American Mathematical Society
Lecture: "The Making of a Mathematician through Inspiration, Empowerment, and Mentorship: Reflections on My Mathematical Journey"
2019

Speaker: Dr. Shelby Wilson, C’ 2006, Department of Mathematics, Morehouse College

Lecture: "Noether, Falconer, Mirzakhani, Kovalesky and Me"
2018

Speaker: Kelly-Ann Henry, MBA, C’ 96, Certified Internal Auditor and Fraud Consultant, Toyota Financial Services

Lecture: “What do Math Majors Do?”
2017

Speaker: Dr. Monica F. Cox, C’98, Department of Engineering Education, Ohio State University

Lecture: “Mathematics: A Foundation for Advancing Engineering Education”
2016

Speaker: Dr. Erica Walker, Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Teachers College, Columbia University

Lecture: “Reimagining Spaces for Mathematics Learning: Lessons from Past and Present”
2015

Speaker: Dr. Talithia Daniels Williams, C'2000, Department Mathematics,
Harvey Mudd College

Lecture: “The Falconer in Etta Falconer: Training Young Women to Soar”
2014

Speaker: Dr. Ulrica Wilson, C’92, Department of Mathematics, Morehouse College

Lecture: “The Falconer Effect: A Nonlinear System with Sensitive Dependence on Initial Conditions”
2013

Speaker: Dr. Tanya Moore, C'95, Youth Services Coordinator, City of Berkeley, California

Lecturer: “Be More than a Statistic: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Etta Falconer”
2012

Speaker: Dr. Kimberly S. Weems, C'93, Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University

Lecture: “Significant Effects: The Influence of Spelman on My Career and Beyond”
2011

Speaker: Dr. Talitha M. Washington, C'96, Department of Mathematics, University of Evansville

Lecture: “Axioms for Success: A Spelman Woman’s Mathematical Journey”
2010

Speaker: Dr. Kim Barnette, C'92, (Managing Partner, CEO Delta Decisions of D.C., LLC)

Lecture: “Who Would have Thought?: From Spelman College Math Major to Entrepreneur and CEO of Delta Decisions of D.C., LLC”
2009

Speaker: Dr. Karen King, C’91, (Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, New York University)

Lecture: “The Mathematical Education of Teachers: The Legacy of Etta Falconer in Me”.
2008

Speaker: Dr. Daphne Smith, C’80, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, St. Louis, Missouri

Lecture: “Challenges and Opportunities in Mathematics: Reflections from a Spelman Graduate”.
2007

Speaker: Dr. Roselyn E. Williams, C’72, (Department of Mathematics, Florida A&M University).

Lecture: “Research Experience for Undergraduates”
2006

Speaker: Dr. Teresa Edwards, C'76, (Senior Analyst, Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network)

Lecture: “Undergraduate Research: Preparations and Pathways”.
2005

Speaker: Dr. Carolyn R. Mahoney, President, Lincoln University of Missouri

Lecture: “Secondary Mathematics from an Advanced Perspective”.

Give To Spelman Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics relies on the support from alumnae and friends who share in our commitment to excellence. Individual and corporate gifts enable the department to enhance its programs and attract and retain STEM student scholars. To make a secure gift to the Dr. Etta Z. Falconer Scholarship for Mathematics at Spelman College, use the button below, click the OTHER box and type "Falconer Scholarship" in the gift designation box.

Make A Gift Today

College representatives are available to assist you in exploring the many giving options and structuring a gift that is right for you. Please contact our fundraising team with additional questions.

Jessie Brooks, CFRE, Senior Vice President
Email: jlbrooks@spelman.edu
Work: 404-270-5323