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Southern University math department chair Joseph Meyinsse, Ph.D, was selected as the 2007 National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education NOBLE Prize Laureate of Mathematics.

It’s not a NOBEL prize, but the NAFEO does represent historically black colleges all over America, and is an advocate for blacks in higher education. They honored Meyinsse for 23 years of expanding the interests of students at all levels in math and science, securing grants for international research here and abroad, and developing academic workshops to train teachers and better prepare students.

You won a NOBLE prize. Does that mean you are as smart as Einstein and will be remembered for all of history?

It means I’ve distinguished myself among my peers in what I do. As a faculty member and an educator I’ve developed an ability to inspire students to continue working hard, setting goals and achieving them. My place in history will be my contributions to mathematics education through my teaching, student mentoring and outreach of collaborations with the K through 16 communities.

So many people struggle with math and science. What advice do you tell students to learn these subjects better?

You have to take education seriously. Where I come from education is your ticket. It’s a lifelong commitment you have to make. You also have to believe that when you practice, you know it. And always ask questions—why, how, when. Those are key to being successful.

How did you become interested in math?

At a very young age when I was working with my aunt in a position like an accountant, I had to add up a lot of numbers and had to explain how I got them.

What was your favorite math course in high school?

Algebra. Trying to use Xs and Ys to represent numbers. I was more interested in adding, and you have to be precise. I attribute the motivation and interest to my teacher who we called “Mr. Blackfire.”

Do you use a calculator every day?

I do not use a calculator every day. I did a lot of mental math in high school, so today, I use common techniques to add numbers quickly and accurately in my mind.