Mastering math and time: Kenneth Evans' path to success

Balancing a full-time teaching career with pursuing a Master of Science in Mathematicsis no small feat. For Kenneth Evans, this demanding journey required careful time management and a strong commitment to his studies at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL). Despite the challenges of balancing work, studies, and personal life, Evans found success thanks to UH-Clear Lake's flexible evening courses and dedicated faculty.

"Time was the biggest problem," Evans said. "At first, I struggled to juggle all my responsibilities and faced many difficulties until UHCL helped me get back on track," he explained. "UHCL worked with my schedule by providing flexibility outside regular work hours, ensuring a more manageable and effective learning experience."

Dedicated faculty likeDr. Jingjing MaandDr. LieJune Shiauwere instrumental in Evans' academic success. Dr. Ma's mentorship in mathematics and Dr. Shiau's guidance in navigating academic and career decisions gave Evans the motivation, confidence, and practical advice he needed to excel. Their combined support played a crucial role in his continued educational journey.

"They are highly knowledgeable and straightforward, always offering honest and direct insights," Evans said. "The math department supports its students 110% and is helpful. I can't thank them enough."

Academic research was crucial to Evans' educational experience, as demonstrated by his work studying partially ordered fields with Dr. Ma and modeling protein synthesis with Dr. Shiau. These opportunities not only sparked his academic curiosity and demonstrated the real-world applications of mathematical theories but also emphasized the critical role of solid writing skills.

"The biggest skill I honed in my master's program at UHCL is writing," Evans said. "I initially struggled with writing proofs and connecting ideas. While I still have room for improvement, I've made significant progress thanks to my professors."

Evans credits his family, particularly his wife, alongside UHCL for playing vital roles in his success. He attributes much of his ability to overcome self-doubt and achieve his goals to their encouragement and belief, combined with the support he received from UHCL.

"I wouldn't have had the courage to try if I hadn't built the foundation I have now," Evans said. "And before talking to the faculty at UHCL, I never even considered it an option."

Thanks to the skills and confidence he gained at UHCL, Evans has now set his sights higher. He is pursuing his Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Houston with a full scholarship, ready to take on new challenges and continue his academic journey.

For more information about UHCL's Mathematics Program, visit www.uhcl.edu/science-engineering/departments/mathematics-statistics/mathematics/.

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