Eastfield College Math faculty Dr. Vivian Dennis-Monzingo has been named one of ten recipients of the 2000 Piper Professor Awards. The award, established by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation in 1958, recognizes outstanding achievement in the teaching profession in Texas colleges and universities. After being selected on their campuses, Piper Professor nominees are considered for this state-wide recognition in which ten awards are given, each with a certificate of merit and $1,000 honorarium.
Dennis-Monzingo was born in Saltillo, Texas, a small town she says was and is very big on education. In fact, her father served on the school board, and her mother taught elementary school prior to marriage. Her parents always stressed the importance of education even though they were unable to support her financially. As a result, Dennis-Monzigo knew attending college was not mandatory, but a privilege and an opportunity. Upon graduating from high school, Dennis-Monzingo attended what was then known as East Texas State College where she completed a degree in mathematics, with a teaching certificate. She went on to receive an M.S. in mathematics and her doctorates in supervision, curriculum, and instruction from the college as well.
Dr. Dennis-Monzingo started her teaching career at Como ISD in Como, Texas in 1960. She went on to teach mathematics in the Lamar Consolidated ISD in Rosenberg, Texas; Dallas ISD; at El Centro College; and at East Texas State University before heading to Eastfield College in 1970. The mathematician hopes she has made positive contributions to her students, colleagues, and associates.
"When I was a high school student, I knew I wanted to be a teacher," Dennis-Monzingo said. "After teaching for many years, I knew that I wanted to be a good teacher. Now, each day, I want to be a better teacher, a teacher who incorporates the latest teaching methods and materials to improve her classroom presentations. Simply stated, I want my students to learn how to learn."
Return to People @ Eastfield