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.
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. 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.
Nancy Brown Cobb – Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Degrees: BSEd in Secondary Mathematics, University of Georgia
MA in Education (focus secondary mathematics), Piedmont College
Teaching is my God-given talent and mathematics happens to be the field that intrigues my mind. I joined the Emmanuel College Mathematics Department in 2015 with a goal to share my love of God and of mathematics with my students. My path to Emmanuel College has included various career adventures. I taught high school mathematics in Georgia’s public schools for 10 years in Richmond, Lincoln and Hart Counties. Because of my background in mathematics and its application within technology, I was afforded the opportunity to work as a corporate computer applications trainer, and then a financial analyst at Westinghouse Savannah River Nuclear Site in Aiken, South Carolina. Upon returning to this area, I was able to serve others by working part time as the office manager for Pruitt Funeral Home. But by far, being a stay-at-home mom for fourteen years was my favorite variable in this career equation. My husband, Dennis, and I live in Aiken, South Carolina. We have one daughter, Meagan, who is currently working on her PhD in Spanish at the University of South Carolina. My hobbies include playing the piano, fly fishing, and reading.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Click here to contact Nancy Cobb
Timia Reynolds – Adjunct Professor of Mathematics
Timia holds a BSEd degree in Secondary Mathematics from Emmanuel College.
From Timia:
In the Fall of 2017, I joined the mathematics department and became the women’s basketball assistant coach at Emmanuel. Originally from Rome, GA, I came to Emmanuel in the fall of 2013 to earn my degree and to play basketball. Since the eighth grade, I knew that God was calling me to use my talents to teach and to coach. In my time as a student at Emmanuel, I served as a math tutor in the academic resource center, worked as a student-teacher at Hart County High School, and participated in the IMPACT (Integrating Mathematical Principles and Christ Teaching) club. I truly believe that Emmanuel is a place that God has called me to be and I strive to help my students in any way I can. I hope to have a positive impact on all of those I teach and coach.
