Herrick Society Stories
Math Professor Leaves Enduring Legacy
Throughout most of his life, Dr. Kenneth B. Cummins dedicated himself to helping young people succeed, both at Kent State University and in his hometown of New Washington, Ohio. With his passing on May 13, 1998, Dr. Cummins has provided a generous endowment to support the important work of preparing Kent students to teach mathematics.
"I knew him for 33 years as a colleague and a really good friend," said Dr. Richard K. Brown, emeritus professor of Mathematics and Computer Science. "I can't tell you how many math teachers in Ohio have been taught by Kenneth Cummins. He was truly dedicated to making sure Ohio had good mathematics teachers at the elementary and secondary level," said Dr. Brown. Dr. Cummins had taught math and Latin in New Washington, Ohio (near Tiffin), before joining the Kent faculty in 1957. He also held a doctorate in mathematics education from Ohio State University.
Dr. Cummins was something of a legend on campus—and in the state of Ohio. "Kenneth would leave the department at seven or eight," Dr. Brown recalls. "He would go to the library and sit at a table and help students in math, chemistry, German, and other subjects—until 10:00 p.m. He would be back on campus before five o'clock in the morning, " Dr. Brown said.
Dr. Cummins twice received the University's Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award (1968 and 1975), as well as numerous honors from other Ohio organizations. In 1981, he received the President's Medal for his extraordinary service to Kent State University. "I think his main love in mathematics was geometry. He knew it inside-out and he was a master at teaching it," Dr. Brown said. Also, Dr. Cummins was recognized for developing a student-centered method of teaching that was well ahead of its time.
The late professor was just as well known for his extraordinary service to the community of New Washington. He served as leader of the town band for 64 consecutive seasons (1933-1997), and was active as a tutor and choral director of the Methodist Church. Throughout his tenure at Kent, Dr. Cummins returned home to New Washington every weekend. "He was a wonderful person," said Doris Lambert, a close friend who is a teller at the local bank.
In keeping with Dr. Cummins' final wishes, Kent State University will receive a significant gift from his estate, including a professorship, a scholarship endowment, and his math library. The Kenneth B. Cummins Professorship of Mathematics will provide continuing support for Cummins' lifelong pursuit of excellence in the preparation of math teachers. Additional contributions are welcomes and will help to continue the Cummins legacy at Kent.
Herrick Society StoriesMath Professor Leaves Enduring Legacy
Throughout most of his life, Dr. Kenneth B. Cummins dedicated himself to helping young people succeed, both at Kent State University and in his hometown of New Washington, Ohio. With his passing on May 13, 1998, Dr. Cummins has provided a generous endowment to support the important work of preparing Kent students to teach mathematics. "I knew him for 33 years as a colleague and a really good friend," said Dr. Richard K. Brown, emeritus professor of Mathematics and Computer Science. "I can't tell you how many math teachers in Ohio have been taught by Kenneth Cummins. He was truly dedicated to making sure Ohio had good mathematics teachers at the elementary and secondary level," said Dr. Brown. Dr. Cummins had taught math and Latin in New Washington, Ohio (near Tiffin), before joining the Kent faculty in 1957. He also held a doctorate in mathematics education from Ohio State University. Dr. Cummins was something of a legend on campus—and in the state of Ohio. "Kenneth would leave the department at seven or eight," Dr. Brown recalls. "He would go to the library and sit at a table and help students in math, chemistry, German, and other subjects—until 10:00 p.m. He would be back on campus before five o'clock in the morning, " Dr. Brown said. Dr. Cummins twice received the University's Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award (1968 and 1975), as well as numerous honors from other Ohio organizations. In 1981, he received the President's Medal for his extraordinary service to Kent State University. "I think his main love in mathematics was geometry. He knew it inside-out and he was a master at teaching it," Dr. Brown said. Also, Dr. Cummins was recognized for developing a student-centered method of teaching that was well ahead of its time. The late professor was just as well known for his extraordinary service to the community of New Washington. He served as leader of the town band for 64 consecutive seasons (1933-1997), and was active as a tutor and choral director of the Methodist Church. Throughout his tenure at Kent, Dr. Cummins returned home to New Washington every weekend. "He was a wonderful person," said Doris Lambert, a close friend who is a teller at the local bank. In keeping with Dr. Cummins' final wishes, Kent State University will receive a significant gift from his estate, including a professorship, a scholarship endowment, and his math library. The Kenneth B. Cummins Professorship of Mathematics will provide continuing support for Cummins' lifelong pursuit of excellence in the preparation of math teachers. Additional contributions are welcomes and will help to continue the Cummins legacy at Kent. |