Dr. Johnny Lott has dedicated his life to mathematics and the education community. He has on numerous boards and panels during a career spanning nearly 50 years. A tireless educator, advocate, and supporter of mathematics education, Lott has impacted the lives of many, and continues to do so to this day.
A SIMMS (Systemic Initiative in Montana Mathematics and Science) project colleague, in which Lott served as co-director, calls him “a leader of unparalleled talent and ability to forge diverse ideas into a cohesive whole.”
Dr. Lott served as president for NCTM, vice president of the Montana Academy of Science, Chair for Teaching Children Mathematics and Arithmetic Teacher, and was a board member for the Montana Council of Teacher of Mathematics.
Dr. Lott has been the recipient of the both the Dean Preble Memorial Award and the Meritorious Service Award by the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the George and Jane Dennison Faculty Award from the University of Montana, and has the honor of being a distinguished alumnus from both Union University and Georgia State University.
Through his years as a mathematician and educator, Dr. Lott has impacted many careers: providing support, advice, and direction to those around him. “Johnny's passion for mathematics and for presenting new ideas to teachers [is] apparent”, says a nominator.
His work reached from coast to coast, through articles, books, and work in numerous capacities.
He has written and contributed to several books including Mathematics Lessons Learned from Across the World: Prekindergarten-Grade 8, A Problem-Solving Approach to Mathematics for Elementary Teachers, and Navigating through Probability in Grades 9-12 to name a few. Lott also has articles featured in Utah Mathematics Teacher, The AMATYC Review, as well as in NCTM journals.
A former colleague describes Dr. Lott as being “at the center of mathematics education in Montana. Whether he was teaching at the University of Montana, spearheading new initiatives across the state, providing leadership to improve mathematics education and pedagogy, speaking at conferences, or simply being that catalyst for change, Johnny was insightful, innovative, and a tireless champion for all things mathematical.”
Dr. Lott is now Professor Emeritus at the University of Montana, having worked in the Department of Mathematical Sciences for more than 30 years. His work continues to inspire and educate students and teachers alike.