Patton College’s endowed professorship supports meaningful research across four decades

Foley (right) shown with Associate Professor Robert Klein (left) and recent mathematics education doctoral graduates Katie Hendrickson and Reuben Asempapa.

Since 1974, the Robert L. Morton Professorship of Mathematics Education has enabled Patton College of Education faculty members to engage passionate students in meaningful research projects.

This endowed chair, currently held by Gregory Foley, was established by OHIO alumnus Robert Morton, BSED ’13, LHD ’68, who specialized in mathematics education teaching and research, publishing several junior high and elementary math textbooks during his career.

“What the title has done is it has allowed me to have a lower teaching load, so I have more time to give much more individual attention to graduate students than I would have otherwise been able to,” Foley said. “We have been able to do very high-quality professional development and been able to research more aspects of professional development.”

Gregory Foley, a leading researcher and graduate student adviser in the Patton College of Education, has held the Morton Professorship since 2007. Photo courtesy of Gregory Foley.

Foley has taught a wide range of mathematics, from elementary arithmetic through graduate courses. His passion for mathematics education has rubbed off on the graduate students with whom he works so closely.

“I like this experience, and I like the connection we have with the Math Department,” said mathematics education graduate student Ahmad Alhammouri, who Foley advises. “It is not about coming here, taking courses and going to do your job, but it’s about creating community. This is what Dr. Foley has been pushing toward, trying to create friends.”

Foley’s research focuses on the transition from high school mathematics to college courses and establishing a connection between the two. He believes in the importance of an education system that provides students with practical math skills used in everyday life.

“The uses of mathematics and data have really accelerated,” Foley said. “I’ve been trying to bring that content to the high school level by developing curriculum materials and by helping teachers to be able to equip them to teach more modern concepts and better prepare students.”

An author of two textbooks, Foley focuses on keeping his publications pertinent to a fast-paced world.

“My research has been to try to teach mathematics in schools that really is relevant to the modern world,” he said. “If you get a college degree that only prepares you until you’re 30, what are you going to do for the rest of your life?”

Throughout his teaching career, Foley has published over 50 scholarly works and has received accolades for his dedication in the field, including the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics Kenneth Cummins Award for exceptional teaching at the university level.

“The Patton College is honored to house one of Ohio University’s oldest distinguished professorships,” Patton College Dean Renée Middleton said. “Dr. Gregory Foley is an outstanding representative for the Robert L. Morton Professorship. His dedication to his doctoral students, his research, and to mathematics and mathematics education is unparalleled. And his collaboration with OHIO faculty, area P-12 mathematics teachers, partner colleges and universities, and experts around the world has raised the bar for future Morton Professors.”