Clarence Wayne Patty honored with emeritus status
Clarence Wayne Patty, professor of mathematics in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, was conferred with the title of "professor emeritus" by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors during the board's quarterly meeting March 31.
The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who have given exemplary service to the university and who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.
A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1967, Patty was head of the Department of Mathematics from 1970 to 1994. During that time, he led the department during a period of significant growth in which the department was recognized as one of the most rapidly improving mathematics departments in the nation.
For ten years, he served as director of the Center for Outreach in Mathematics Education with Technology. He has led more than 40 workshops for in-service teachers and has taught 18 different courses for in-service teachers. Patty was recognized with the university’s Alumni Award for Outreach Excellence for these efforts. In addition, he served 10 years as a staff member of the board of the Virginia Mathematics Coalition, five years on Standards of Learning Assessment committees, and five years on National Science Foundation review panels.
Patty has published 15 research articles and three textbooks, including one book that is in its third edition.
He received his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.
The College of Science at Virginia Tech gives students a comprehensive foundation in the scientific method. Outstanding faculty members teach courses and conduct research in biology, chemistry, economics, geosciences, mathematics, physics, psychology, and statistics. The college is dedicated to fostering a research intensive environment and offers programs in nano-scale and biological sciences, information theory and science, and supports research centers—in areas such as biomedical and public health sciences, and critical technology and applied science—that encompass other colleges at the university. The College of Science also houses programs in pre-medicine and scientific law. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.
