2020 Humphreys Lecture

Talithia Williams, associate professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College and co-host of the PBS series “NOVA Wonders,” lectured at the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education on Feb. 20 as part of the annual Cathey Simmons Humphreys Distinguished Lecture Series.

Williams is a groundbreaking professor, popular TED speaker, inspiring author and passionate STEM/STEAM advocate. She has made it her life's work to get people of all ages and backgrounds excited about the bold possibilities of a STEM education and to “STEMpower” women and minorities to enter these professions. Her latest book, Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics, reflects her passion to re-brand the field of mathematics as anything but dry, technical or male-dominated.

Prior to her lecture, Williams met with undergraduates in Assistant Professor Kate Raymond’s Fundamental Concepts of Secondary Math Learning class. There students were given the opportunity to ask questions of Williams about her experiences in mathematics education and what they could do in the classroom to make math fun and exciting for their students.

Students, faculty and community members from around the state packed the Robert S. Kerr Auditorium at Sam Noble Museum to hear Williams’ speak on the challenges she faced as a woman of color in a male-dominated field, as well as why it is so important to engage young students in the STEM fields. A post-event reception saw young girls excited to meet with Williams and have them autograph her book.

The same long line to meet Williams was found the night before at the Presidential Speakers Series Dinner, hosted by President Joseph Harroz, Jr. at Oklahoma Memorial Union. Several hundred Norman and metro Oklahoma City community members, OU students, faculty and staff gathered to hear Williams speak about her book on the underrepresented but pivotal role women have played in the history of mathematics. Click Here for More Information on Talithia Williams, Ph.D.