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Math Department April Spotlight
Aniekan Ebiefung, Ph.D. & Matthew Gentry
Aniekan Ebiefung, Ph.D.
It is with magnificent pleasure that we shine the spotlight on Dr. Aniekan Ebiefung, for his remarkable achievements and contributions. Dr. Ebiefung’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and a commitment to both education and community service.
Dr. Ebiefung hails from Ika family, nestled within the Annang ethnic group of Nigeria, situated amidst the lush West African rainforest. His family relocated to this region drawn by its rich, fertile soil. Agriculture, hunting, and artisanal craftsmanship form the backbone of his community's livelihood. Nigeria, with its myriad ethnic groups and approximately fifty distinct native languages, is renowned for its abundant natural resources, including oil.
His first name, Aniekan, is a rhetorical question- it means who is the winner? The full meaning is “who can win a war against God?” Raised amidst the rich cultural tapestry of his homeland. Dr. Ebiefung's upbringing was deeply rooted in values of hard work and education. He pursued his academic journey with fervor, culminating in significant achievements.
Dr. Ebiefung has achieved significant milestones in his academic journey, including obtaining a PhD from Clemson University in Clemson, SC, a master's degree in science from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and a bachelor's degree with First-Class Honors from the University of Calabar in Nigeria, with a major in Mathematics.
His pursuit of higher education was deeply influenced by the examples set by his father and grandfather. Despite his father's lack of formal education, he prioritized his younger brother's schooling, setting a precedent for academic ambition within the family. This dedication to learning led to the uncle becoming a schoolteacher, further fostering a culture of education advocacy. In high school, he excelled in the sciences, particularly physics, although he lacked guidance in choosing a career path. With a singular focus on obtaining a degree, he selected physics and mathematics as his preferred disciplines for university entrance exams in Nigeria, finding himself placed in the field of mathematics. Reflecting on his family's history, Dr. Ebiefung draws inspiration from his grandfather, a successful trader who, despite his own lack of formal education, recognized the value of learning and supported educational endeavors. Tragically, the pursuit of education came at a high cost, as his grandfather fell victim to poisoning shortly after one of his sons got a scholarship to college. This sacrifice underscored the importance of education in Dr. Ebiefung’s journey, encouraging him on to achieve the highest academic honors possible.
Dr. Ebiefung's upbringing was within the African Church, a religious community established by his grandfather and seven others after their departure from the Catholic Church, prompted by an incident where a Catholic priest sought to discipline them publicly. However, he later embraced Catholicism upon starting school due to the absence of educational facilities within the African Church. His commitment to faith is paralleled by a profound calling to aid the less fortunate, particularly widows. Amidst life's trials, Dr. Ebiefung faced his toughest challenge with the loss of his mother and occasionally wrestling with the feeling of not receiving due recognition for his efforts.
Dr. Ebiefung's tenure at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga spans an impressive 32 years, reflecting his unwavering dedication to education. His commitment to enriching learning experiences extends far beyond traditional academia, as demonstrated by his active involvement in various educational outreach programs and initiatives accommodating to students of all levels.
He takes immense pride in his affiliations with esteemed organizations, including serving as President of the Charter Master Toastmaster Club and Area 3 Governor of Toastmasters International in Chattanooga. Additionally, he holds the prestigious position of President at Nto Annang Foundation USA, INC, and serves as the Founder and Coordinator of the Widows Empowerment Foundation.
At UTC, his influence extends to numerous committees, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and initiatives. He serves on committees ranging from Advisory and Curriculum to Budget and Diversity, showcasing his multifaceted contributions to the university's mission.
Outside of his official responsibilities, Dr. Ebiefung’s dedication to service knows no bounds. He volunteers his time and expertise to mentor in programs such as Tennessee Promise and tnAchieve, while also actively engaging with initiatives like the Chattanooga Community Kitchen. Furthermore, his passion for sports shines through as a former soccer coach at Hixson YMCA, underscoring his commitment to holistic community development.
Dr. Ebiefung’s significant contributions have gained widespread recognition. His accolades include the Fulbright Scholars Award from the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, fellowship with the Institute of Operational Research and Management Science, and the Oakridge Associated Universities Junior Faculty Enhancement Award in Mathematics and Computer Science. Additionally, he has been honored with the University of Chattanooga Foundation Professorship, the UTC Student Government Association Outstanding Professorship Award, and the Southeastern Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences Best Paper Award in Quantitative Theory and Methods Track. Furthermore, he has received numerous UTC Exceptional Merit Awards, secured fifty-five grants, published forty-five papers, and delivered sixty presentations on mathematics and the teaching thereof. His scholarly contributions extend beyond traditional research, as evidenced by his authorship of the book "Responsible Use of the Internet in Education" and his editorial roles on two journal boards. His dedication to community service has not gone unnoticed, earning recognition from the Mayors of the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County as an International Achiever and Ambassador for his outstanding contributions to the community over three consecutive years.
His hidden talent, which he's eager to reveal, lies in his singing and storytelling ability. He appreciates good music regardless of the genre, with "Trading Places" and "Hidden Figures" ranking among his favorite movies.
After a challenging day, his students may attest to his preference for unwinding with either champagne or Dr. Pepper, because of his jokes in class. However, he opts for catching up on the news or engaging in exercise. Additionally, UTC international students can attest to his hospitality, often inviting them to his home to share in food, fun, and festivities.
Dr. Ebiefung’s best advice to students is “Take college as your dream job that will provide you with good benefits for the rest of your life. If you look at college through this lens, then set the bar high and no obstacle along the road will be insurmountable.”
Dr. Ebiefung’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience, and community engagement. As we celebrate his achievements, let us draw inspiration from his example and strive to make meaningful contributions to our communities and beyond.
Matthew Gentry
Introducing Matthew Gentry, a mathematics Ph.D. candidate at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Matthew holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Dalton State College and a master's degree from Georgia Southern University. Since spring 2023, he has been an active member of UTC's graduate program.
Matthew's passion for education and assisting others has been a driving force behind his pursuit of higher education. Believe it or not, mathematics was not his best subject in school, so his academic journey has been a tough one. He chose to pursue math because he wanted to conquer one of the toughest subjects.
His advice to fellow students emphasizes the challenges and rewards of earning a degree. “Do not expect the journey to be easy. Earning a college degree is a very challenging and yet rewarding experience.” Overcoming initial struggles with mathematics, Matthew embarked on his academic journey determined to conquer the subject.
One notable accomplishment is the publication of a section of his master's thesis was published in a prestigious journal titled “On the Inverse Steiner Wiener Problem.” Matthew's pride in this achievement is evident. Few know that Matthew worked as a semi-truck driver to fund his education during both his undergraduate and graduate studies.
Despite driving about an hour to and from college every day, with the support of his family, friends, instructors, and classmates, Matthew knows it’s worth it. In his leisure time, Matthew finds relaxation in swimming, bowling, and gaming. These activities serve as a well-deserved break after a demanding day or week.
His decision to pursue mathematics as a career was influenced by his resolve to tackle challenging subjects and his experience in truck driving school. Matthew's journey exemplifies dedication and resilience, offering inspiration to those in pursuit of academic and personal growth.
