Iona University’s Dr. Benjamin Gaines Receives Distinguished Teaching Award from the Mathematics Association of America Metro New York Section
New Rochelle, N.Y. - Dr. Benjamin Gaines, associate professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics and Physics at Iona University, recently was awarded the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Metro New York Section award for Distinguished Teaching.
The MAA is known as the world’s largest association of mathematicians, students and math enthusiasts. This award recognizes his exceptional dedication to fostering a love of mathematics in students of all backgrounds.
“As an educator, I aim to empower students to recognize their own potential and find joy in mathematics," said Gaines. “Receiving the MAA Metro New York 2024 Award for Distinguished Teaching is an honor and I look forward to continuing to inspire students at Iona to appreciate mathematics for years to come.”
Since his arrival at Iona in Fall 2015, Gaines has taught nearly every mathematics course offered by the department. Additionally, he advised 15 undergraduate students on research projects, which have been presented at institutional, local and regional conferences.
As a result of supporting student research, he was presented with Iona’s Brother Arthur A. Loftus Outstanding Student Research Award in 2022.
While revising existing courses to incorporate active learning, Gaines also developed new ones, all with the goal of creating a deeper understanding and appreciation for mathematics in his students.
Outside of the classroom, he demonstrates active engagement in Iona Scholars Day, the Math Honors Society and key University committees. He showcases dedication that extends not only to students, but also the institution's overall success.
Congratulating Gaines on his recent accomplishment, Tricia Mulligan, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, said, “This recognition is truly well-deserved. Dr. Gaines showcases exceptional teaching methods and possesses a distinct talent for inspiring students, fostering intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning. Congratulations!”
ABOUT IONA
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of nearly 4,000 students and an alumni base of more than 50,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona is widely recognized in prestigious rankings, including The Princeton Review’s 2024 national list of “The Best 389 Colleges” and The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse’s “2024 Best Colleges in America,” which ranked Iona at #66 in the nation overall and #8 in the nation among Catholic schools. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just six percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review recognized Iona’s on-campus MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2023.” Iona also offers a fully online MBA program for even greater flexibility. In July 2021, Iona announced the establishment of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, which is now principally located on Iona’s Bronxville campus in collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian. Connecting to its Irish heritage, the University also recently announced it is expanding abroad with a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland. A school on the rise, Iona officially changed its status from College to University on July 1, 2022, reflecting the growth of its academic programs and the prestige of an Iona education.