DURANT, Okla. – Southeastern Oklahoma State University is proud to announce the establishment of the Pamela Fahrendorf
Endowed Professor in Computer Science and Technology, and the Pamela Fahrendorf Endowed Professor in Mathematics.
The announcement was made Thursday afternoon in the Glen D. Johnson Student Union Auditorium, with Pamela and William Fahrendorf, faculty, alumni, and friends in attendance.
The fully endowed professorships are established through a gift to the Southeastern Foundation.
Dr. Charles Matthews, current chair of the SE Mathematics Department, will be the Pamela Fahrendorf Endowed Chair in Mathematics, with the other endowed professor to be determined at a later date. Dr. Matthews holds a Ph.D. and master’s from Oklahoma State University and a bachelor’s from Baylor University. He has taught at Southeastern since 1997.
“This is an incredibly generous gift by the Fahrendorfs and is a fitting tribute to Pamela Fahrendorf’s teaching career,’’ said Southeastern president Thomas Newsom. “The Fahrendorfs have tirelessly given back to the community and University through their time and resources, and they have both been actively involved in supporting education at all levels. We are very excited about the impact this gift will have on the academic programs at Southeastern for many, many years to come.’’
Pamela Fahrendorf taught for 19 years at Southeastern, retiring in 2006 as Assistant Professor and Program Director of Computer Science and Technology. She also served as Interim Chair of the Department from 2001-2004, and was a Choctaw Mentor from 2006-2009.
She earned her master’s in mathematics and computer science at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and her bachelor’s in mathematics at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Ms. Fahrendorf was active on many higher education committees at both the University and state level.
Prior to joining the Southeastern faculty in 1997, Ms. Fahrendorf was Associate Professor of Computer Information systems/Mathematics at Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
And from 1990-1997, she served as district director of the Oklahoma State School Board Association.
Mike Morris is a retired SE computer sciences professor who worked closely with her in the department.
“She really supported us (faculty) in all areas, including professional development,’’ he said. “Pam had very good leadership skills and a strong work ethic – she was just really good to work with.’’
(cutline) Gathering after the announcement of the endowed professorship Thursday were Southeastern president Thomas Newsom, Pamela Fahrendorf, and Dr. Charles Matthews, who was named the Pamela Fahrendorf Endowed Chair in Mathematics.
