Sharon Padgett

Sharon Padgett is an Adjunct Professor of Mathematics at the Mathematical, Computing, & Information Sciences Department within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences at Jacksonville State University (JSU). She has extensive experience in both secondary education and higher education, having taught high school math and science for 25 years before transitioning to adjunct roles at JSU.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology (Mississippi University for Women, 1978)
• Added Major in Mathematics (Jacksonville State University, 1987)
• Master of Education in Mathematics (Jacksonville State University, 1988)
• Educational Specialist in Mathematics (Jacksonville State University, 2011)

Research & Teaching Focus: Dr. Padgett specializes in mathematics education, secondary teacher training, and STEM pedagogy. Her career has emphasized bridging classroom practice with academic rigor, particularly through professional development programs for high school teachers in the JSU area.

Awards:

• 1996 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching (NSF/President Bill Clinton)

Professional Contributions: She co-organized summer professional development programs for high school teachers (2005–2013) and has taught courses ranging from Intermediate Algebra to PreCalculus. Currently focuses on online math instruction. Active in educational organizations including Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.