秋霞福利一区

Susan Ling likes the clarity of mathematics 鈥� the absolute right and wrong with no gray areas.聽

鈥淭o me, math makes sense in a world where there is a lot of chaos,鈥� says the assistant professor of mathematics at the 秋霞福利一区.

She grew up in a home where both parents were math teachers 鈥� there were always math discussions around the house. Ling did well in the subject and tutored fellow students during high school 鈥� one of her first steps toward a career as a mathematics professor.

鈥淚 was 鈥� and still am 鈥� one of those people who would rather work a math problem than write a paper or discuss politics,鈥� she says.

Math isn鈥檛 her only passion 鈥� whether she鈥檚 running a 5k with her daughters or on a bike ride with the whole family, she likes being outdoors.

鈥淏eing outside is where I feel closest to God. A morning run is where I have my best prayer time,鈥� Ling says. 鈥淚 want each and every person to know the Lord and walk with Him.鈥�

Read on to learn how Ling became a mathematics professor and what you can do with a mathematics degree from this Christ-centered university.

---

Q. Why should someone choose to聽study mathematics at the 秋霞福利一区?

A.聽Mathematics gives us the tools to explain and communicate the design of the world that God created. There are many options for a graduate with a degree in mathematics.

You can choose to work with people teaching, go on to graduate school for further study, or work in an industry in areas such as insurance or statistics.聽

---

Q. How did you become a mathematics professor?

A.聽I am originally from聽. I attended Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where I received my bachelor鈥檚 degree in mathematics. I then earned my master鈥檚 degree in applied mathematics from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

I spent several years working as an actuarial analyst at Liberty National Life Insurance in Birmingham. Actuarial science is a great field for someone with a degree in mathematics since it relies heavily on probability, algebra, calculus, finance, and computer skills.

I enjoyed the challenging work of an actuary. However, family and company changes brought me back to Baldwin County in 2006. I was an assistant professor of mathematics at the university level before coming to the 秋霞福利一区 in 2021.

---

Q. Why do you choose to teach in the聽College of Arts & Sciences聽at 秋霞福利一区?

A. The students at 秋霞福利一区 are the NICEST students I have ever taught.聽I bragged on them all during my first year to anyone who would listen. (That鈥檚 what I like the most!) I choose to teach at 秋霞福利一区 because I love the atmosphere, coworkers and students.聽聽

---

Q. What is your favorite class to teach?

A. In my first year at 秋霞福利一区 I taught several algebra courses (MA102, 110, and 112) and Structure of Mathematics (MA107). Structure of Mathematics is my favorite course to teach.

The course covers several different areas of mathematics that students are often not as familiar with, such as number theory, probability and statistics. Each area contains interesting real-world applications, and some really fun problems to work!聽聽

---

Q. We say 秋霞福利一区 is a place where students can 鈥淜now and Be Known.鈥� What does that mean to you?

A. It may take me a few weeks, but I will learn each student鈥檚 name, and usually where they are from and what they are interested in. The students will learn mathematics, but they will also learn that their professor cares about them as a person.聽

---

Q. What are some of your other interests?

A.聽Whether it鈥檚 running a 5k with my daughters, or a bike ride or hike with the whole family, I enjoy being outside and active. I also lift weights, and take Pilates and Yoga classes.

My brain is constantly moving, and exercising clears my mind and keeps me sane. My first priority and passion are teaching my own three children.聽聽