Dr. Bruce Hockema—Associate Professor of Mathematics
Bruce holds a B.S in Mathematics Education from Pensacola Christian College, an M.A.T. in Mathematics Instruction from the University of West Florida, and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics from the University of West Florida.
There are two important things I have learned from 32 years in the mathematics classroom. A teacher must love his students, and teacher must have a passion for his subject. I love mathematics, and this passion was cultivated beginning in my early years of formative education. It has only grown from there. The reason that I find the subject so intriguing is that it clearly shows the beauty, structure, and design of a masterful Creator. When we understand that studying mathematics is “thinking God’s thoughts after Him” (Johann Kepler), we begin to see how mathematics can be viewed as the language God might have used when He spoke the universe into existence. Proverbs 24:2 says, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” God is glorified when we search out the hidden things of His creation. The study of mathematics, as students will sometimes express, is searching out some of those concealed matters. It is truly exciting to see students come to an understanding of mathematical concepts.
I have had the privilege of teaching at a high school for 6 years, at another college for 11, and serving as a high school principal along with teaching AP Calculus for the last 15.
My wife and I live in Athens, and our three adult children have relocated to various parts of the country. I am excited to be teaching for Emmanuel College.
Daniel LeCroy- Instructor of Mathematics
Daniel holds a BSEd degree in Secondary Mathematics from Emmanuel College as well as an MS in Applied Mathematics from the University of West Georgia
From Daniel:
In high school, I discovered I had a passion for teaching while giving guitar lessons. I also discovered a passion for mathematics. I have learned throughout my life that God has a way of leading me to where I need to go. Since this area is my hometown, I had no intentions of staying here to attend college. However, I enrolled and fell in love with Emmanuel. After graduating, I left to teach high school mathematics in Gainesville, Georgia. During that year, I was afforded an opportunity to further pursue my passion for mathematics by attending the University of West Georgia and earning my master’s degree in applied mathematics. After finishing my degree, God had another unexpected plan for me and it was right back where I started. I joined the faculty of Emmanuel College. Among the many opportunities Emmanuel has provided me, I am especially grateful for the opportunity to meet my wife, Janna. Outside of mathematics I enjoy playing the guitar, writing music and stories, recording music, and coin collecting. And of course, we live in Franklin Springs, and we are right where God wants us.
Dr. Ningjun (Nina) Ye – Associate Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Nina Ye, Associate Professor of Mathematics holds an English Education degree from Jiangsu Normal College in China, an MS and PhD in Mathematics from the University Southern Mississippi.
From Nina:
My lifelong dream was always to be a teacher. After teaching in high school in China for over 12 years, I have been teaching in colleges in the US for over 12 years as well.
I have published papers on new pedagogical approaches to solving mathematical problems that may be interesting to college students for widening their mathematical knowledge. My book with Dr. Sherry Herron, “Assessing the impact of a computer-based college algebra course,” was published in Scholars’ Press, 2014, ISBN-13: 978-3-639-70847-9. I am interested in learning to utilize the large quantity of freely available data to produce quality research. I am also interested in combining other nations’ educational merits into my teaching methods to produce better generations of students.
I was saved in the US when I was a PhD student. My favorite scripture is Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Dr. Larry Brown — Adjunct Faculty, Mathematics
Larry holds a B.S. in Naval Engineering and Economics from the U.S. Naval Academy, and a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University. Larry also holds a Doctor of Ministry from Liberty University with a thesis emphasis on integrating biblical stewardship into the business operations of churches, ministries, and other not-for-profit organizations. His professional experiences include a broad background in secondary and university teaching, service both as a Naval officer and as a civilian with the Department of Naval Reactors, and multiple finance-related leadership roles in other Christian universities.
From Larry:
I have been privileged to interact with hundreds of students over the years – from high schoolers to adult learners – and I constantly find joy in making personal connections with students and in trying to make the course material (whether Old Testament history, physics, mathematics, or economics) both relevant to students, and relevant within our contemporary society. Every subject area provides unique opportunities to relate students to the beauty, order, and structure that God designed into the universe. Psalm 19:1 proclaims “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” I believe that his Creation bears witness to his power and goodness, often in ways we may not notice in our everyday lives.
My wife Renee (also an educator) and I live on Lake Hartwell with our youngest daughter, and we have three other adult children, their spouses, and three grandchildren currently in Tennessee and Washington, DC. With Renee and me both being from Franklin County, and both having been students at Emmanuel (Renee as an undergrad, me as an adult learner), we’re glad to have been led home – home to Franklin County, and home to Emmanuel.
Romans 12:12 – “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Donna Smith – Adjunct Professor of Mathematics
Donna grew up about 20 minutes from Emmanuel in Madison County, and is excited to join the Emmanuel family. She has loved Math and teaching Math for as long as she can remember. Donna enjoys helping others learn Math and the “whys” of how Math “things” work. She is recently retired after teaching public school (middle and high school Math) for 31 years. Donna still work at Foothills Charter High School, teaching Math and serving as a Graduation Coach. She lives with her husband, Ken in the Sanford Community of Madison County where they have a small farm. She enjoys working with the music program at her church, spending time with family and church friends and traveling and visiting the Great Smoky Mountains. Her “go to” Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Donna believes the single most important decision a person can make in their life is to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. She prays that God will use her at Emmanuel, not only as a teacher, but to be salt and light in our world.
