Who We Are
A community bound by a shared passion for the world of mathematics.
We are a worldwide community of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts, and we welcome all who are interested in the mathematical sciences. Together, we are furthering understanding of our world through mathematics, a driving force that shapes society and our lives.
Our Mission
Advance the understanding of mathematics and its impact on our world.
Our Vision
A society that values the power and beauty of mathematics and fully realizes its potential to promote human flourishing.
Our Values
Community
Inclusivity
Communication
Teaching & Learning
Advance the understanding of mathematics.
Through outreach, programs, meetings, competitions, and publications—as well as national committees and 29 regional sections—the MAA advances the understanding of mathematics and its impact on our world.
Memberships
In 2021, our membership exceeded 24,000.
With MAA’s historical focus on pedagogy, mathematical exposition, and community, we continue to evolve with the introduction of new technologies to engage our membership.
Although we have been sequestered for so long, these organizational advances allowed us to maintain and build upon the ever-important community that so many members rely on for mentorship, professional guidance, and friendship.
Member Perspectives
Communities
Sections
Sections are a vital part of the MAA, and a significant part of the Association’s activity is centered on them.
Each Section holds at least one professional meeting per year which includes various lectures and other activities designed to promote and improve collegiate-level mathematics. Many Sections also conduct activities that involve, but are not limited to, sponsoring mathematics contests and working with colleges on course content and curricula.
Sections are the entry points to MAA for many members. Each Section provides members with opportunities to attend meetings, participate in region-specific programs, and receive awards and other forms of recognition.
Section Lecture Series
In 2021, MAA launched the Joint Section Lecturer Program in collaboration with the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) and the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM).
This is a new rotating lecture program that highlights diverse speakers and engages the three organizations in an ongoing dialogue through participation at MAA Section meetings.
The selected speakers introduce audiences to new faces in the mathematical community who have yet to develop profiles associated with invited speakers at national meetings.
It is an honor to be awarded a Pólya Lecturer as it gives me a chance to interact with people in regions of a country I might otherwise not be able to.
2021 Section Lecturer Speakers
Anastasia Chavez
Karamatou Yacoubou Djima
Catherine Hsu
Marissa Loving
Lorin Crawford
Jose Perea
Haydee Lindo
Talea Mayo
Sarah J. Greenwald
Deanna Haunsperger
Talithia Williams
MAA Connect
MAA Connect is an online gathering place for the mathematical community that strengthens our core values of inclusivity and community. This online community supports teaching and learning across various specialties, and helps members strengthen their partnerships between other Sections and MAA networks.
MAA Connect communities helped provide members with many resources, including 6 micro-volunteering opportunities in 2021. Members took to the platform to celebrate diversity in their field, from various talks to full conferences, such as the Spectra virtual conference in August.
In 2021, MAA Connect saw sustained, meaningful user engagement, with 2,000 discussion threads started and 577 made to other users. What’s more, eight new online communities joined the MAA Connect forum.
Virtual Learning
In response to the isolation and challenges to teaching that arose with the pandemic, the SIGMAA for Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) began a remote workshop series, sharing IBL-related resources, research, and more.
Our SIGMAAS were hubs for both professional expertise and empathy. We have yet to fully appreciate the important role they played in keeping us connected.
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