BRADENTON, FLA (March 17, 2026)—State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) hosted the 59th annual joint meeting of the Mathematical Association of America Florida section (MAA-FL) and the Florida Two-Year College Mathematics Association on Friday, Feb. 20 and Saturday, Feb. 21 at SCF Bradenton.

Tommy Gregory, J.D., president, SCF, delivered opening remarks to approximately 188 professors, undergraduate students and graduate students from SCF and other Florida higher education institutions. In his written welcome letter, President Gregory noted, “We are honored to host this annual gathering of mathematics educators, scholars and students from across the state. This joint conference reflects the spirit of collaboration and lifelong learning that defines our academic community.”

The three plenary speakers were Richard J. Cleary, professor of mathematics and statistics and Weissman family Professor of Business Analytics, Babson College and vice president, MAA-FL; Steve Butler, Morrill Professor and Barbara J. Janson Professor, Iowa State University; and Dennis Runde, retired professor, mathematics, SCF. They discussed sports analytics, juggling patterns and lessons learned from mathematics teaching, respectively.

Attendees participated in professor and student research talks, student poster sessions and a graduate school fair. They enjoyed a catered dinner by SCF with live jazz music by the SCF Presidential Jazz Combo.

The conference concluded with the MAA-FL annual business meeting, luncheon and award ceremony. Joseph Ours, assistant professor, mathematics, SCF, received the MAA-FL Award for Early College Teaching of Mathematics.

Many SCF faculty, staff and students helped plan, volunteer and support the event, including the mathematics department, baseball student-athletes and others.   

“Congratulations to all for a job well done,” said Daniela Genova, professor, mathematics and statistics, University of North Florida. “Our biggest thanks go to the local hosts, who stepped up at a critical moment and put together a great meeting.”