A University of Arkansas at Little Rock math professor has donated $20,000 to help fund professional development activities for faculty members and students in the Department of Math and Statistics. 

Dr. Xiu Ye, who has been a professor at UA Little Rock since 1991, said she wanted to give a donation to help her colleagues and students during a tight financial time at the university.

“I am a special donor since I am not rich,” Ye said. “Last year, I took a sabbatical and had other family issues, but I want to do what I can to help the Math Department. It’s a great department. I have wonderful colleagues, and I hope I can help them. I want to support my colleagues, students, and the university.”

The donation will create the Math Department Professional Activities Fund, which will provide money for professional development activities in the Department of Math and Statistics in the College of Arts, Letters, and Science. The fund may be used to host mathematics conferences; sponsor events like the annual Calculus Bowl, which encourages participation in math and calculus in high school students; and hire lecturers to teach additional classes. 

“I want to thank Dr. Ye for having the vision to create this new fund to help the Math Department,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “The gift will touch the lives of our current and future students. Our faculty will continue leading events like the popular Calculus Bowl and have access to professional development opportunities that enrich classroom learning and outcomes for students.”

Dr. Sarah Beth Estes, dean of the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences, said this special donation exemplifies the dedication UA Little Rock faculty members have for student success.

“With this gift, Dr. Ye supports the high quality instruction of the Math Department and the many outreach and support efforts of the department, including Math Day and instruction in tutoring services,” Estes said. “We greatly appreciate the generosity of this gift from one of our own.” 

Ye received her Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. During her career, Ye has received nearly $800,000 in grant funds from the National Science Foundation and published 104 research articles in academic journals.

“I hope this grant will encourage my fellow faculty members to complete more wonderful research for the university,” Ye said. “New research grants bring external funding and publicity to the university, while exposing our students to cutting-edge knowledge in their fields.”