Department History

Mathematics Department

By 1938, three year diplomas were being awarded by the college. By 1940, a fourth year had been added and the first class to graduate at Pembroke State University was in 1940. Three students studying mathematics were among those from the Class of 1940:

  • Mr. Dorsey V. Lowry, Major: Science, Mathematics, and History
  • Mr. Conard Oxendine, Major: Science and Mathematics
  • Mr. Joseph Sampson, Major: History and Mathematics

Mathematics and Computer Science Department

The first Computer Science course at Pembroke State University was offered in 1969. By 1979, a Computer Science track had been developled and approved. In 1982, the Mathematics Department was renamed the Mathematics and Computer Science Department. And a B.S. in Computer Science was offered beginning in 1986.

Mathematics Education

In 1985 Pembroke State University became the second school in the state to offer a Master's Degree in Mathematics Education.

Department Chairs

Dr. Steven Bourquin

Dr. Steven Bourquin served as Chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department from 2007 through 2018.

B.S.E.E., M.S. and Ph.D.

Ohio University

Dr. Charles Lillie

Dr. Charles Lillie served as Chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department from 2011 through 2012.

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

University of Southwestern Louisiana

M.B.A. in Management

Florida State University

Ph.D. in Computer Engineering

University of Southwestern Louisiana

Dr. William Campbell

Dr. William Campbell served as Chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department from 2002 through 2007.

B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in Mathematics

University of Alabama

Dr. Gilbert L. Sampson

Dr. Gilbert L. Sampson served as Chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department from 1982 through 2002.

B.S. in Mathematics

Pembroke State College

M.A. in Mathematics

University of Arkansas

Ph.D. in Mathematics

New York University

Dr. Charles Bass

Dr. Charles Bass served from 1980 through 1983.

B.S. and B.A. in Mathematics and German

Carson-Newman College

Ph.D. in Mathematics

University of Tennessee

Dr. James R. Krabill

Dr. James R. Krabill served from 1973 through 1980. He also served as the Director of the Computer Center.

B.A. in Mathematics

Miami University

M.A. and Ph.D. in Mathematics

Duke University

Dr. Henry Tramer

Dr. Henry Tramer served from 1970 through 1973.

B.S. in Physics

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

M.S. in Mathematics

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Ph.D. in Mathematics

John Hopkins University

James A. Jacobs

James A. Jacobs served from 1939 to 1942 as registrar and Chairman. After serving in World War II , he returned to the University in 1945 and resumed his duties as Chair until 1970.

B.S. in Mathematics and Physics

Murray State University

M.ED. in Education

Duke University