Auburn University's College of Education has received $1.8 million estate gift from an anonymous donor to benefit mathematics teacher education.  Nearly half of the college's 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students major in teacher education programs. However less than 100 students major in mathematics education, creating an enormous shortage for math teachers.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, in the 1999-2000 academic year, 68.5 percent of middle school students and 31.4 percent of high school students nationally were taught by math teachers who lacked a major in the field and certification.

"In the College of Education, we strive to help each student become the most competent, committed and reflective professional possible," Education Dean Frances Kochan said.  "Financial Support provided by donors plays a pivotal role in recruiting and retaining quality students."

This estate gift will eventually assist multiple undergraduate and graduate students through full tuition scholarships. Scholarship applicants are expected to have scores on the mathematics section of the ACT in the upper 10 percent.  Students who are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate mathematics education programs and maintain a 3.0 grade point average will be eligible for support.  The college has awarded 92 undergraduate student scholarships and 11 graduate awards for the 2006-07 academic year.

Auburn University's largest-ever fundraising campaign is currently underway. The "It Begins at Auburn"  campaign is a $500 million comprehensive campaign that will raise funds for all colleges and schools on campus as well as the Ralph B. Draughon Library, athletics, Auburn University at Montgomery and the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. The campaign's focus includes student scholarships, faculty and academic program endowments; facilities and equipment; research and current operations.

Since October 2001 the College of Education has raised $10.8 million.  These funds are used to support students, faculty and various programs within the college.  With more than 2,300 students, the college hosts the largest graduate enrollment and fifth-largest undergraduate enrollment on campus.

Auburn University is a preeminent land-grant and comprehensive research institution with more than 23,000 students and 6,500 faculty and staff. Ranked among the top 50 public universities nationally, Auburn is Alabama's largest educational institution, offering more than 230 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs.