Q & A with Jeffrey Spence
Meet Jeffrey Spence, Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Background

Degrees & Certificates

Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics | University of Iowa
Master's Degree - Mathematics | Montana State University

Q & A

a man pointing towards a white board in a classroom
Jeffrey Spence Teaching Statistics

What do you do at CCD?

I teach statistics and math and volunteer time in the Math Lab. I also host/coordinate the annual Pi Day celebration. I am very collegial!

What awards have you received?

Faculty of the year for the Center for Math and Science, 2011.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Working with students in the math lab and during my study hall times. I also enjoy seeing my students transfer to four-year institutions and start their careers.

When you’re not working, what do you do?

Other than sleeping and eating and drinking, I like to bike tour. Bike touring means taking my bicycle and loading it with my camping gear and riding places and then camping. I have bike toured in Alaska, Central America, Cuba, and Brazil recently!

What moment at CCD stands out as the most memorable?

Getting a thank you card from a student with a picture of bell curve on the front with a biker riding up the bell curve.

Who had the greatest influence on your education and/or career path?

My dad, who scared me into getting good grades, and my junior high and high school math teachers. They were great models for the teacher that I am today.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Which three people (living or dead) would you invite to dinner, and why?

  • Dave Chappelle (Funny)
  • Jerry Seinfeld (Funny)
  • Rick James (Funny and a good singer)

What or who can’t you live without?

Running and biking, and cheese.