It is with sadness that we announce the passing of John A. Dossey, who will be remembered for his leadership and lasting influence on the mathematics education community, nationally and internationally. Dossey was a 1996 recipient of the NCTM Lifetime Achievement Award.
John Dossey was president of NCTM from 1986 to 1988 and on the NCTM Board of Directors from 1982 to 1985. His other leadership activities include being chair of the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences (CBMS), chair of the CBMS Education Planning Group funded by the Exxon Education Foundation, chair of the National Research Council's U.S. National Commission on Mathematics Education, and member of the board of governors of the Mathematical Association of America.
While NCTM President, Dossey led NCTM's decision to develop the first set of national mathematics standards. He served on the NCTM Commission on Standards for School Mathematics, and subsequently was a vocal champion for the 1989 NCTM Standards. He authored numerous articles and secondary school and college mathematics textbooks.
John had a 30-year career teaching at Illinois State University, and he influenced and supported scores of teachers, leaders, and researchers throughout the state, the country, and the world. During the 1993-1994 school year, John was recognized as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, an experience he deeply appreciated.
John Dossey will be greatly missed by the NCTM and mathematics education communities, his colleagues, students, and friends.