Dr. Michael Catalano
Professor of Mathematics
Year Started: 1992
Strengths: Learner | Inclusiveness | Intellection | Strategic | Connectedness
Education History: St. Olaf College (BA degree), University of Minnesota (MS degree and Ph.D.)
Professional History: Professor of Mathematics – Dakota Wesleyan University, 2003-present. Visiting Professor - NSF-AIRE scholar at Hope College, 2003-2004. Associate Professor of Mathematics – DWU, 1998 – 2003. Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean – DWU, 1998-2000. Assistant Professor of Mathematics – DWU, 1992 -1998. Assistant Professor – St. Olaf College, (non-tenure track, sabbatical replacement faculty), 1991-92. Teaching Assistant/Associate – University of Minnesota, 1985-1991. Teaching Assistant – Kent State University, 1984-1985. Chaired DWU's HLC Accreditation Committees for both our 2007 and 2016 Accreditation visits. Publications Include: Catalano, Michael T. 2015. “Review of Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from Data by Charles Wheelan.” Numeracy: Vol. 8 : Iss. 1, Article 13 Catalano, Michael T. 2015. “Review of The Joy of X: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity by Steven Strogatz.” Numeracy: Vol. 8 : Iss. 1, Article 6 Catalano, Michael T. 2010. “College Algebra in Context: A Project Incorporating Social Issues," Numeracy: Vol. 3 : Iss. 1, Article 7 Catalano, Michael T., Leise, Tanya L., and Pfaff, Thomas J. 2009. "Measuring Resource Inequality: The Gini Coefficient," Numeracy: Vol. 2 : Iss. 2, Article 4 Catalano, Michael T. 1996. “Stable Splittings of BP for some Groups P of Order Thirty-two,” Journal of Pure and Applied Algebra
Areas of Expertise: Dr. Catalano's Ph.D. thesis was in the area of algebraic topology. Recently, Dr. Catalano's interests have focused on actuarial studies and quantitative literacy. He is the Book Review Editor for Numeracy: Advancing Education in Quantitative Literacy, and is a past board member of the National Numeracy Network. He is the author of Algebra: Modeling our World, which has been used for college algebra classes at DWU from 2004 through 2018. This book incorporates a quantitative literacy approach into college algebra. At DWU, Dr. Catalano teaches college algebra, statistics, discrete mathematics, probability, modern algebra, and modern geometry.
Hobbies: Dr. Catalano plays the tuba, often participating in DWU ensembles, the Lyricwood Orchestra, and the Pep Band, as well as Mitchell's Municipal
band. He sings and plays the guitar, occasionally entertaining folks at coffee houses and community events in the area. Since 2009, he has participated in a number of theatre events on campus and for
the Mitchell Area Community Theatre, either as an actor or a musician. The Catalano family likes to travel, including camping and canoeing adventures.
Family: Dr. Catalano has been married to Pamela (Vonk) Catalano since June of 1986. They have three children currently aged 29, 21, 27 and 32.
What do you love most about DWU?: It was clear even from the time I interviewed before coming to DWU that the people who work here are committed to the mission of the school, to serving students, and to being individuals of integrity and generosity. At DWU, I get to work with great students and have the freedom to do what I love and be creative about how I do it. DWU is a community, not just a university.