Fairmont State professor Dr. Joseph Riesen honored with WVCTM award

Fairmont State University professor of mathematics Dr. Joseph Riesen has been awarded the College Teacher of the Year Award at the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference.

The annual conference recognizes mathematics educators at the elementary, middle school, high school and college levels. Each year, the WVCTM College Teacher of the Year Award honors a professor who has made outstanding contributions to mathematics education.

Riesen has taught a range of courses at Fairmont State University for 33 years, from general studies math to elementary education courses and specialized classes for mathematics majors.

“I was both surprised and honored,” Riesen said. “Teaching has been my passion for the past 34 years, and to be recognized at the state level is astounding. I am honored and humbled to receive the WVCTM College Teacher of the Year Award.”

Throughout his career, Riesen has built strong connections across campus through his teaching and mentorship.

One of his colleagues, Dr. Brian Blackwood, said, “Encouraging students to ask questions, visit office hours or seek help can be difficult, but Dr. Riesen does it successfully. His eyes light up whenever a student arrives for help. He never hesitates to interrupt a conversation with a faculty member with, ‘Gotta go! I have a customer!’ to assist a student.”

In courses at every level, Riesen helps students build confidence and see that they can succeed in mathematics.

Former student Julia Oliveto of Fairmont wrote, “No matter how much effort I put in, mathematics always felt abstract and inaccessible. Through innovative projects and a constant emphasis on understanding rather than memorization, Dr. Riesen instilled a love of mathematics in me for the first time. This change inspired a genuine passion for the subject, leading me to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in mathematics. I owe much of that transformation to Dr. Riesen’s teaching and mentorship.”

Riesen consistently encourages his students and colleagues in their academic and research endeavors. He has served as a mentor to numerous new faculty members in the Department of Mathematics.

Through his strong commitment to student and colleague success, he has become a pillar of Fairmont State University’s faculty.

Fairmont State University continues to serve as a leading institution in preparing future teachers across all grade levels.