Dean Grant Jensen of the College of Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences is pleased to announce that BYU has appointed Dr. Michael Dorff as chair of the Department of Mathematics starting July 1, 2025. Dorff will replace Dr. Paul Jenkins, who has served as department chair since 2019.
“Michael is an incredibly talented teacher and mentor who is highly respected and well-loved by students and faculty in the department,” said Jensen. “I appreciate his willingness to strengthen the department and serve our community.”
Dorff joined the BYU faculty in 2000 after earning a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Kentucky. He previously served as chair of the BYU Department of Mathematics from 2015 to 2019, and as President of the Mathematical Association of America from 2019 to 2021. He has given over 500 math talks, published more than 80 articles on math research and on education, and has received nearly $10 million in grants. His many honors include the 2024 Gung Hu Award for Distinguished Service from the MAA, the 2023 University Professorship from BYU, the 2010 National Haimo Award for University Teaching of Mathematics, and BYU’s Karl G. Maeser Excellence in Teaching Award.
Dorff is especially passionate about promoting mathematics to the public, mentoring undergraduates in research, and preparing students for careers in industry. He co-directs the national PIC Math program (Preparation for Industrial Careers in the Mathematical Sciences) and founded the Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics (CURM). He is also a Fellow of both the American Mathematical Society and the Council on Undergraduate Research, and was a Fulbright Scholar in Poland.
As part of the transition, Dean Jensen expressed gratitude for the great leadership and effort of outgoing chair Dr. Paul Jenkins. “Paul was always organized and on top of everything," he said. “We are so deeply grateful for his service."