In a historic first for Pomona College and a milestone for diversity in the field of mathematics, Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Edray Herber Goins has been elected to lead the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), the country’s largest collegiate mathematics society.
The MAA announced that Goins will take office as president-elect on July 1, 2026, becoming the first African American to lead the 110-year-old organization.
He will serve one year as president-elect, then a two-year term as President beginning July 1, 2027.
Founded in 1915, the MAA comprises over 25,000 members and has an operating budget of over $10 million. The organization supports mathematics education and scholarship through its publications, competitions, professional development programs and public policy efforts. Its current mission to “advance the understanding of mathematics and its impact on our world” has resonated deeply with Goins throughout his career.
“This is a vision that I wholeheartedly believe in,” Goins said in a statement sent to TSL. “In fact, it was a driving force that led me to be a professor at a liberal arts college.”
A number theorist by training, Goins joined the Pomona faculty in 2018 after more than a decade at Purdue University. Since then, he has become a central figure in the college’s efforts to strengthen undergraduate research, mentorship and representation in STEM.
He founded and directs PRiME (Pomona Research in Mathematics Experience), a summer program funded by the National Science Foundation that brings together undergraduates and graduate mentors in collaborative research projects. He also co-founded the 47 Lecture series, which showcases the interdisciplinary relevance and social impact of mathematics through annual public talks.
Goins’ efforts reflect a longstanding commitment to improving diversity and inclusion in mathematics. In recent interviews and articles, Goins has spoken candidly about the isolation faced by Black mathematicians in academia and the continued lack of representation in doctoral programs. He was featured in the 2024 documentary “Journeys of Black Mathematicians,” which highlighted the systemic challenges and accomplishments of Black scholars in the field.
Goins emphasized that the Claremont Colleges have long held ties with the MAA, citing former Harvey Mudd professor Francis Su, who served as MAA president from 2015 to 2017, and Pomona professor Konrad Aguilar, who currently chairs the MAA’s Southern California-Nevada Section.
Goins acknowledged the position will involve significant travel across the country, though he said that will not diminish his commitment to working closely with students at the Claremont Colleges.
“I won’t reduce my time working with students at the Claremont Colleges during this tenure, but I expect to do a lot of traveling around the country to represent the MAA at various events,” he said.
He added that his goal in this role is to continue bringing visibility to both mathematics as a discipline and to the Claremont Colleges on the national stage.
“A few years back, Pomona’s Math & Stats Department began the 47 Lecture series to showcase how mathematics and statistics connect with other disciplines,” Goins said. “In my new role, I hope to continue to bring this love of doing math to the MAA membership and I hope to continue to bring a national presence of the Claremont Colleges to the national stage.”
“In my new role, I hope to continue to bring this love of doing math to the MAA membership and I hope to continue to bring a national presence of the Claremont Colleges to the national stage,” Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Edray Herber Goins said.
In his campaign for MAA president, Goins focused on bridging the traditional divide between math researchers and educators, two groups he says are often siloed despite common challenges. With many academic sections across the country facing similar issues — from fluctuating enrollment in math majors to funding pressures — he advocates for better connecting the research and teaching communities in mathematics.
This concept and the inclusive vision behind it have resonated strongly within the 5C community, where Goins’ election has been met with widespread pride and support from students and colleagues alike.
Filiana Kostopoulou PO ’25, a math liaison at Pomona, reflected on Goins’ impact as both a mentor and leader within the department.
“Professor Goins has been a great mentor and resource to many students regarding opportunities inside and outside the 5Cs, bringing in a lot of knowledge and experience,” she said.
Kostopoulou expressed confidence that Goins would carry those same values into his presidency, just as he does daily at Pomona.
“As a math liaison, I am incredibly grateful to have Professor Goins in our department: A person committed to spreading and strengthening these values every day in our department, and who I am sure is going to do the same as MAA president,” she said.
Professor Gizem Karaali, chair of Pomona’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics, expressed the same sense of pride in a statement for TSL, calling Goins’ election a great honor.
“Professor Goins is an accomplished mathematician with a deep commitment to service, mentoring and broadening participation in mathematics,” Karaali said. “He is a nationally recognized advocate for excellence, equity and representation, and his work has already had a tangible impact on a large number of students and junior colleagues.”
Karaali added that Goins’ election underscores the department’s strong presence in national mathematical circles.
“Among our ranks are several colleagues who have served on editorial boards, conference program committees and national professional association committees, as well as a former president of another national professional organization, the Association for Women in Mathematics,” she said, adding that Goins previously served as president of the National Association of Mathematics from 2015 to 2020.
“His MAA presidency further enhances Pomona’s visibility in an especially meaningful way,” she said.
She concluded by expressing the department’s excitement at Goins’ recognition. She emphasized that his leadership serves as a powerful model for students, demonstrating what it means to approach mathematics with dedication, ethical commitment and a clear sense of purpose.
For students, colleagues and the wider mathematical community, Goins’ election is a beyond-impressive achievement that reflects a leadership style rooted in mentorship, public service and a deep commitment to academic excellence.
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