Author: Mark Arrasmith

The Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics will hold a time of remembrance at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27 in 353 Jabara Hall for Bill Richardson, former associate professor emeritus, who passed away Sept 6 at the age of 86.

Richardson joined the Department of Mathematics in 1962 and retired in 2013. He continued to teach as an associate professor emeritus through spring 2017. During his 55 years of service at Wichita State, he made significant contributions to the development of the math department, providing high-quality administrative services, including serving as assistant chair and then associate chair from 1964 to 2004. Richardson was greatly respected by students and faculty and will be missed.

Join the department for refreshments at 2:30 p.m.

A memorial fund is open to donations from the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement.

Associate Professor Emeritus Bill Richardson, passed away Sept. 6 at the age of 86.

Richardson joined the Department of Mathematics in 1962 and retired from the role in 2013. He continued to teach for the department as associate professor emeritus through spring 2017.

During his 55 years of service at Wichita State, he has made significant contributions to the development of the math department and provided high-quality administrative services, including serving as assistant chair and then associate chair, from 1964 to 2004. Richardson is greatly respected by students and faculty and will be missed.

A time of remembrance for Richardson will be held by the department at a later date to be announced.

A memorial fund is open to donations from the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement.

Montana Loibl was announced as the 2021 recipient of the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award during a department meeting on May 7. The award recognizes exemplary contributions made by graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) who educate in mathematics and statistics.

A portion of Mr. Loibl’s teaching philosophy best describes his heart for education:

“Mathematics is a beautiful field of study which is developed through logical arguments and is in pursuit of the unknown, whether this be in the physical world around us, or the unexplored realms of a particular area of mathematical interest. To achieve an understanding, and more importantly, an appreciation of this commonly feared subject, a strong base of knowledge and discipline must be built. For my academic career, this ‘easier said than done’ statement has been the forerunning philosophy that has not only driven my studies as a student but has also played a vital role as an instructor. I encourage students to see mathematics as more than symbols and to seek out patterns and themes. It is an honor to be able to instruct and challenge the minds of those who want to better themselves and their community through the medium of higher education.”

Montana’s teaching and encouragement of his students were also said to be a factor in the department’s selection and said they were proud to present Montana with the award.

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Distinguished Professor Victor Isakov, Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics, who passed away May 14 at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer.

In 1988, Professor Isakov joined Wichita State University as a professor of Mathematics specializing in partial differential equations and inverse problems. In 2000, he went on to become the Emylou Keith and Betty Dutcher Faculty of Distinction Endowed Professor due to his outstanding contributions to research in the area of inverse problems. Professor Isakov was recognized as a world-class authority in inverse problems, and he produced many original and breakthrough results for linear and nonlinear inverse boundary value problems. He authored 140 papers in mathematical journals and three books on the subject of inverse problems and mathematical physics. He also organized several conferences around the world and advised many graduate students. His research has continuously been supported by National Science Foundation since 1990. His passing is a huge loss to both Wichita State University and the inverse problem community.

Professor Isakov was an accomplished and dedicated mathematician who provided many years of distinguished service to the department, the university and the mathematical community. He was well liked by students, faculty and researchers around the world. We shall miss him greatly.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.