John Estes

John Estes, PhD

Hello! I am a mathematics professor at Belhaven University in Jackson Mississippi. I also serve as department chair for Mathematics and Computer Sciencer and as Dean of the School of Science and Mathematics at Belhaven.

Mathematics Professor.

  • Phone: TBA
  • Email: jestes (at) belaven.edu
  • Office: Library 201E
  • Address:

    Belhaven University
    1500 Peachtree Street
    Jackson, MS 39202, USA

About Me

Education

  • Ph.D in Mathematics, University of Mississippi, 2012
  • M.S. in Mathematics, University of Mississippi, 2009
  • B.S. in Mathematics, Oral Roberts University, 2007

My Road to Mathematics

I remember the first time a professor told me that mathematics was beautiful. He was speaking of derivatives, and I scoffed at first. But as I began looking at the deep, interlocking intricacies of mathematical structures, I began to see the beautfy for myself. What started as a quest to become a high school teacher turned into a love for mathematics and research. I earned my Master's degree in 2009 and decided I wanted to continue my journey finishing my PhD in graph theory in 2012.


I joined the Belhaven University faculty in 2012 where I have served as a professor and chair. In 2023, I received the title Dean of Science and Mathematics. I see my job as an opportunity to share a life-long love of learning with students and support our science and mathematics faculty in their goals.


Outside of my academic work, I love playing guitar, and I enjoy sharing life with my family with Tolkein, Star Wars, Marvel, Pokemon, and the like!

anniversayr
Family
Universal Studios
Wedding

Curriculum Vitae

Here is a link to my full curriculum vitae

Highlights and Honors

  • 2024 Georgia Tech OMS CS: Matriculated to Georgia Institute of Technology's Online Masters Degree in Computer Science.
  • 2024 Blaze Ahead PBI Grant: Awarded Certificate for Data Science
  • 2022 Woz U and Belhaven University: Certificate of Data Science
  • 2017 HEADWAE Award: Award selected by the faculty for outstanding contribution to students and fellow faculty supported by the Mississippi Association of College.

Selected Presentations

  • "Communicating Alternative Grading to Students, Colleagues, and Administrators" The Grading Conference (virtual), 2024.
  • "Maker Culture and the Belhaven Maker Campus" Belhaven Faculty Development Lunch and Learn, invited speaker, 2023.
  • "Formative Technology in the Classroom" The Southeast ASM Section, Mobile, AL 2023.
  • "Will This Game Ever End?" Math Club at Jackson Preparatory, Jackson, MS, invited speaker, 2019.

Leadership & Organizational Roles

  • "Engineering Partnership" A 3-2 engineering program with memoranda of understanding with Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi engineering schools, director, 2016-present.
  • "Belhaven Maker Campus" A collaboration of interdisciplianry maker labs with cutting edge formative technology, curriculum, training, and service opportunities, co-founder and faculty advisor, 2021-present.
  • "Lab Funding" Coordinated funding and donations with the Belhaven Development Office, 2017.
  • "Actuarial Science Degree" Developed a BS in Actuarial Science, Faculty Advisor, 2021.

Selected Publications & Directed Undergraduate Research



Directed Undergraduate Research

Teaching

"The best way to learn is by teaching others." - Terence Tao

I have been fortunate enough to have had caring mathematics teachers from my K12 years to undergraduate and into graduate school. Beyond being teachers, I had mentors who not only shared information (valuable information) but shared a wonder of mathematics. Even moreso, my advisors set me on a path towards a fulfilling career. Now I have the opportunity to return the kindness. My favorite part of being a professor is helping young students develop their mathematical skillset and hopefully setting them towards a successful future.

On our way to the LA-MS MAA Section Meeting (2024).

As a professor, I seek to foster active learning in the classroom over rote memorization. I discourage students from gunning for a grade and instead ask themselves, "do I know and understand this?" Grades are not always reflective of actual learning and a student's value does not come from a collection of grades. In order to provide an environment of true learning, I have adopted standards-based grading (SBG) and have developed ten courses using SBG since 2021. Overall, I have seen more effort and understanding from my students, and I have received lots of positive feedback.

You can learn more about SBG The Grading Conference.

Discrete Math playing Dos in Mod Arithmetic
Celebrating graduating students
Pre-career fair photo

Student Comments

Below are select quotes from Course Evaluations.

I've taken a lot of different classes from different schools. Dr. Estes is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He really cares about his students, but at the same time, he upholds the integrity of mathematics. He brings a lot of respect to Belhaven's STEM program.

Student Comment

Calculus II

Dr. Estes did a great job of making a tough course feel manageable. I enjoyed this class a lot more than I ever thought I would.

Student Comment

Discrete Mathematics

Excellent class, a bit challenging with a lot of homework but definitely grew in mathematical ability and excited to have completed the caluclus series. Excited for future classes with Dr. Estes. I feel very priviledged to have such a great professor who is an even better person.

Student Comment

Calculus IV

It is very clear that Dr. Estes wants his students to do well. His grading system allows students to be able to do better in the class. He constantly promotes hard work and encourages his students. He applies what we are learning to the real world to try and make students find the material purposeful and stay engaged. I think Dr. Estes is very passionate about what he does, and it shows throughout his course.

Student Comment

College Algebra

Dr. Estes is an excellent mathematician! His goal is that you understand the information at mastery level and not just seeking a passing grade.

Student Comment

Discrete Mathematics

Research

Editting in progress.


JohnEstesMath YouTube Channel

Since 2017, I have made YouTube videos focusing on undergraduate mathematics topics to help students review lectures on their own time. My desire is that these videos can help students mature their mathematical understanding. Below are a few examples.


Maker Campus

The Belhaven Maker Campus is a unique collaboration between the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and the Department of Art and Design at Belhaven University. Students can join the Maker Campus to receive training in formative technology areas such as 3D printing, laser engravers, microcontrollers, soldering, and other open-access technologies. The Maker Campus is split over two labs students can access to help with service projects (such as printing objects for Science Fest at the Mississippi Children's Museum) or to pursue personal interests. Currently, the labs boast a variety of 3D printers (FDM and SLA) in addition to laser engravers, Arduinos, Axidraws, VR equipment, and more to come.

The Maker Campus provides an excellent environment for active learning, skills and professional development, service, and community.

  • All
  • Lab Space
  • Service Projects
  • Personal Projects