Annmarie Houck Earns Provost’s Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching
When the 2025 Provost’s Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching was announced at this year’s Commencement ceremony, recipient Annmarie Houck was caught off guard.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking for me to walk up on stage with so many people watching,” Houck admitted. “I am so thankful for the incredibly talented students that I have had the opportunity to teach, and also for the supportive colleagues and administration here at the University over the years.”
The annual award recognizes a full-time faculty member for excellence in teaching, scholarship, or service. Houck earned the honor for her outstanding work as an educator in her roles as assistant professor and chair of the mathematics and computer science department.
“Houck is synonymous with the high standards of teaching and dedication to students that all faculty strive towards,” said Terese Wignot, Ph.D., provost. “She teaches for the love of her students and the love of her profession.”
A firm believer in helping students develop both skill and confidence, Houck's teaching philosophy focuses on flexibility and care.
“I use a variety of teaching methods and assessment techniques to accommodate different learning styles,” she explained. “I hope students come away not only with an appreciation for mathematics but also knowing that I truly care about them and their success.”
Inspiration, she said, comes from student breakthroughs—especially in a subject as challenging as math. She loves being a part of her students' career journeys and seeing what they go on to do. Looking ahead, Houck remains committed to growth.
“The mathematics doesn’t change, but the way I teach it does. I’m always looking to tweak my teaching and assessment methods and provide students with applicable uses of the material.”