Dr. Rosemary M. Karr
Professor of Developmental Math

Dr. Rosemary Karr

What is your favorite book of all time?

Asking for a favorite book is like asking me to pick my favorite piece of chocolate! But in general, for fiction, I prefer mysteries and authors such as John Dunning, Tom Clancy and Dan Brown. For non-fiction, I recently enjoyed reading the Book-in-Common, “First They Killed My Father.”

 
In your profession/area of study/discipline, who is your foremost influence and why?

Dr. Amy King was my first university mathematics professor. I was a first generation college student, working my way through school to fund my education. She took a personal interest in me, served as my mentor, directed my scholarship and is now a dear friend.

 
What is the best movie you have seen in the last year and why did you like it?

I do not watch many movies. When I do, I prefer light-hearted entertainment. I enjoy some of the animated films like "Over the Hedge." The creators of these movies have a knack for providing social commentary in clever, subtle and entertaining ways.

What do you like about Collin College?

Although Collin College is known for its excellence in teaching, many of my colleagues also publish, present at conferences and serve on national committees in their fields. The fact that they do all of this professional activity while maintaining a typical teaching load of five classes is admirable!  My colleagues are innovative in their use of learning communities, study grants, service learning, student leadership training and other strategies for improving student learning outcomes.  The scholarly environment is conducive to innovative ideas. If I have an idea, colleagues are there with me, brainstorming ways to make it even better!

Why did you choose to be involved in higher education?

As a first generation college student, I wanted to help others reach their potential and achieve their dreams of a college education. Over time, I have adopted a teaching philosophy which is captured in the motto of the National Association for Developmental Education, which is: “Helping under-prepared students to prepare, prepared students to advance, and advanced students to excel…” 

If you could have lunch with three people (dead/alive, past/present, etc.) who would it be?

Jaime Escalante, Johnny Carson and Mahatma Gandhi

For a college professor, you’ve achieved the top award. How does that feel?

It affirms my efforts, creativity, and energy given to the profession. More important to me than any teaching-related recognition, however, is the interaction with my students.  I am humbled to be given an award for a job that feels more like play than work!

What does it mean to be the first developmental education professor named the U.S. Professor of the Year?

I feel honored to have the prestigious Carnegie Foundation and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education recognize the importance of this field of education. Although I teach many mathematics courses, my primary interest is in developmental mathematics. I hope my receipt of this award increases candid discussions of effective instructional processes in developmental education.

What tenet or key to being a good professor do you hold closest?

The teacher as facilitator, with a goal of promoting student ownership of their education, is key to being an effective professor. 

It’s a Sunday afternoon with really nothing to do, what is Dr. Rosemary Karr doing?

If truth were told, I would probably be working on an educational project. I am always exploring new ideas for holistic teaching strategies that engage a student’s cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains.  On that rare day when I am not working on professional activities, I would be curled up in front of the fireplace, reading a good mystery.