The Department of Mathematics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) has a broad and vital mission to create, discover, and disseminate mathematical knowledge. This mission reflects the foundational and continually expanding role of mathematics in the natural and social sciences, engineering, and business. To fulfill this mission, the Department engages in a wide range of activities, including advancing mathematical research, offering a full spectrum of mathematics instruction, and providing service to the state, the nation, and the mathematical profession. 

Teaching 

The Mathematics Department plays a distinctive role on the UT campus. In addition to educating the next generation of mathematicians, the Department has a critical responsibility to provide all UT students with essential mathematical knowledge and quantitative reasoning skills through service courses. To meet this teaching mission, the Department is committed to: 

• Offering a broad program in the mathematical sciences for undergraduate majors that provides a rigorous and comprehensive foundation for a wide variety of professions. 
• Delivering high-quality mathematical instruction that meets the needs of students across UT. 
• Enhancing student learning and success through adaptive and innovative teaching practices. 
• Educating future mathematicians through a rigorous, forward-looking graduate program that equips students with deep and broad mathematical knowledge, preparing them for leadership roles as educators, researchers, and industrial mathematicians at the state, national, and international levels. 

Research 

The Department is dedicated to advancing the global body of mathematical knowledge through research in core areas of the mathematical sciences as well as through interdisciplinary collaborations spanning the physical and biological sciences, education, society, and industry. To strengthen its research mission, the Department is committed to: 

• Recruiting faculty with clearly defined research programs who demonstrate strong promise or established records of excellence and developing world-class research teams. 
• Empowering faculty and graduate students with the support and resources needed to conduct cutting-edge, high-impact research. 
• Sponsoring conferences, workshops, and scholarly meetings that foster the exchange of ideas. 
• Encouraging national and international collaborations and hosting visiting scholars to foster joint research. 

Service 

Service to the Profession: As a community of scholars, the Department is committed to sustaining the vitality of the mathematical sciences and contributing to national and international dialogue on education and research. The Department supports: 

• Faculty serve as editors, referees, and reviewers for scholarly journals, books, and research publications. 
• Participation and leadership in professional organizations in mathematical sciences. 
• Active engagement in national discussions on curriculum development and research directions. 
• Promoting the value of mathematics and encouraging students to pursue careers in mathematical sciences. 

Service to the University: The Department provides essential mathematical perspective and leadership within UT’s academic mission. It is committed to: 

• Advancing and contributing to UT’s strategic vision. 
• Delivering transformational educational experiences that enhance student success. 
• Providing faculty leadership through service on college- and university-level committees. 
• Collaborating with campus partners in teaching, research, and outreach initiatives that elevate UT. 

Service to the Public: As part of Tennessee’s flagship university, the Department plays a leadership role in mathematics education across the state and serves as a resource for schools, colleges, government, and industry. The Department is committed to: 

• Educating a highly skilled workforce and preparing leaders in mathematics and mathematics education, particularly at the postsecondary level. 
• Providing educational leadership and outreach to K–12 schools, community colleges, and four-year institutions through seminars, workshops, and collaborative programs.