Mathematics is the foundation of countless real-world applications, from engineering and business to sports analytics, health care, and artificial intelligence. At The University of Tulsa, math is not just an academic pursuit; it is a dynamic discipline that shapes students’ futures.
Ashley Gonzalez, instructional assistant professor of mathematics in the College of Engineering & Computer Science, embodies this philosophy through her innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success.
UTulsa’s Mathematics Department advances the field through rigorous academic instruction and innovative research. Faculty engage in groundbreaking work while fostering a collaborative learning environment.
“We actively involve undergraduate students in research and meet regularly to refine our instructional methods,” Gonzalez explained. “Recognizing that many students come in with varying levels of mathematical proficiency, we focus on making math accessible and applicable.”
Although her role is primarily instructional, the passion for advancing mathematics education through research is profound. Alongside several colleagues, Gonzalez is in the early stages of developing pedagogical research proposals to explore new teaching methods, such as flipped classrooms and hands-on learning.
“Students learn best through practice,” Gonzalez noted. “By providing the right tools and resources, they can take ownership of their success. The flipped classroom model, where students engage with material before class and apply it through interactive activities, has been particularly effective.”
Collaboration is at the heart of her teaching philosophy, she said, crediting fellow mathematics faculty Kimberly Adams as a key mentor who has influenced the approach to education. “We learn from each other by asking questions and observing different teaching styles,” Gonzalez said. “This constant exchange of ideas strengthens our department and ultimately benefits our students.”
Supporting student-athletes in mathematics
Gonzalez primarily teaches mathematics courses tailored to non-STEM majors, including business, nursing, and the arts. Many of the students balance demanding schedules with their academic responsibilities.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for student-athletes because they manage full-time coursework alongside their athletic commitments,” Gonzalez said. “Many enter my classroom with math anxiety, and it’s my job to build their confidence. I set high expectations but also prioritize flexibility, ensuring their schedules do not interfere with learning.”
Gonzalez’s dedication has not gone unnoticed, recently being nominated as a Most Valuable Professor four times by The University of Tulsa’s Athletic Department, an accolade that reflects the impact on both student-athletes and the broader student body.
“Professor Gonzalez is extremely dedicated to knowing her students well and supporting their success,” said Instructional Assistant Professor Amy Schachle, interim chair of the Mathematics Department. “She frequently has students lined up to work with her in office hours, and her strong rapport with these students is evident in their smiles and appreciation. She is a great example of the student-centered learning approach we emphasize in the Math Department.”
Gonzalez’s journey at UTulsa began as a student, earning both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in mathematics. Born near Seattle and raised in Tulsa, she always felt a deep connection to her hometown. When it came time to choose a university, UTulsa stood out for its proximity to family as well as the strong mathematics faculty who made a lasting impression during her campus visit.
“The faculty held high standards for my education, which continued into my master’s program,” Gonzalez shares. “I had the privilege of learning from – and later working alongside – some of the very professors who shaped my academic career.”
With dedicated educators like Gonzalez at the forefront, UTulsa students are not only learning math but also discovering its real-world significance in shaping their futures.