By: Michael Pearson, Executive Director of the Mathematical Association of America

I find myself reflecting during this time of uncertainty. We are experiencing an unprecedented situation, where emotions are heightened and disruption seems like the new “normal.” While everything around us seems ever-changing, I want to assure you that our focus at the MAA remains the same. The wellbeing of our staff, members and community will always be our top priority. While we are navigating unchartered territory with schools’ shifting 100% of their operations to online learning and business’ working remotely, the MAA is creating resources to help you during this transition. 

Our colleague, Carrie Diaz-Eaton, shared her thoughts about Community in a Time of COVID-19. I thank her and so many others for their thoughtful reflections on how to manage expectations and sustain community through this crisis. There is little doubt that the social and economic consequences of the pandemic will be long-lasting, severe, and require collaboration across all sectors of society to manage the impacts. Higher education observers argue that this crisis may be a black swan moment, a reset moment that prompts colleges to rethink how they operate at every level. 

There has already been a tremendous interest shown in the online discussions organized by MAA Deputy Executive Director Rachel Levy to support faculty who are, with little notice, being asked to move all of their instructional activities online. I am happy that the MAA is able to host these discussions and provide resources to our community. This is why I am proud to be apart of this organization. MAA has long been devoted to its community, pivoting to provide support where our community needs it most. We are developing guidelines for our undergraduate education community, exploring online substitutions for our in-person programs, and discovering our new “norm” by leveraging our online community platform MAA Connect. 

As I monitor the news, I am struck by how much quantitative information dominates the headlines. The mathematical sciences have a fundamental and critical role to play in informing scientific and policy decisions that determine the long-term quality of life for all of us. Let’s use this moment to lay the groundwork to have the confidence to push for change that supports a broadening of mathematical literacy, helping citizens flourish.

Through all of this, MAA will continue to pursue our mission, provide spaces for support, and elevate the mathematical sciences through this crisis.



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