Charlotte, N.C. / May 20, 2020 - Johnson C. Smith University announces the appointment of Dr. Vijaya L. Gompa as dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. She currently serves as professor of Mathematics and she served as head of the Department of Mathematical, Computing and Information Sciences at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Ala. Gompa was selected after an extensive national search and will begin her tenure at JCSU on June 1, 2020.
Gompa has extensive experience in mathematics education and computing and information science. She has served in higher education leadership positions for more than 10 years. Her leadership experience includes serving as director of a Math, Science and Technology Leadership Academy and coordinator of a Master of Science in Teaching program. Gompa is very passionate about STEM education and has directed many outreach programs for middle and high school students to ignite interest in STEM careers, while providing professional development for K-12 teachers.
JCSU President Clarence D. Armbrister said Gompa’s varied experiences in mathematics and computing and information systems, combined with her unbridled enthusiasm to promote STEM education among students make her a great choice to lead JCSU’s College of STEM at this time. “Dr. Gompa has demonstrated success in mathematics education and in other STEM disciplines,” Armbrister said. “Her expertise in curriculum development, faculty leadership and recruitment, student recruitment and working with accrediting bodies such as ABET will advance the level of teaching and learning in STEM College. Her passion for igniting a love of STEM in middle and high school students is an added bonus as JCSU strengthens our partnerships with public schools to build a pipeline of students who aspire to attend JCSU and earn STEM degrees. I am confident her leadership will accelerate our STEM innovation programs and move JCSU to the forefront of STEM education, research and entrepreneurship among HBCUs.”
Gompa has served on editorial boards for research journals and published many research articles on mathematics and mathematics education. She has also presented at national conferences on both subjects.
Gompa received her Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics with minors in physics and chemistry as well as her Master of Science degree in mathematics from Andhra University in Waltair, India. She earned a Master of Arts degree and a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Toledo (Ohio).
