Assistant professor of mathematics Poe receives 2025-26 Pittman Young Faculty of the Year Award

According to her department chair, Taylor Poe, MC's 2025-26 Pittman Young Faculty of the Year, "has a deep heart for teaching and an unwavering commitment to mentoring the whole student."

The connection between mathematics and the Christian faith may not be apparent at first glance, but Taylor Poe insists they are seamless.

The assistant professor of mathematics at Mississippi Christian University is focused on ministry. Math, she contends, is complementary.

“As Christians, we are seekers of truth and then its application in our lives,” Poe said. “That’s exactly what the study of mathematics is. We study concepts like infinity, which gives us a greater understanding of the infinite depths of our God and His love and His mercy. When we dwell on a difficult math problem and look at it from different angles, that can show us ways that we can approach studying a hard topic in Scripture or a challenge we’re encountering in our life.

“I love when I get to naturally connect the two in the classroom and to see that ‘light bulb’ moment in students.”

Since joining the MC faculty in 2021, students have regularly sought Poe’s advice about math and life. She has even brought baby goats from her farm to the Quad for stress-relief petting sessions.

Poe’s dedication to her students and commitment to their success earned her the 2025-26 Pittman Young Faculty of the Year Award during MC’s 2026 Honors Convocation. The award recognizes outstanding faculty members early in their careers who demonstrate strong Christian character, excellence in teaching and exceptional potential.

The award is named for MC alums George and Alicia Pittman. George Pittman was a former longtime chair of the MC English Department; the Pittmans served as founders of the annual Shakespeare Festival at MC.

“Receiving the Pittman Young Faculty of the Year Award is an honor,” Poe said, “but I feel like ‘honored’ doesn’t do this award justice. An an MC student, I admired the faculty here and always hoped to help continue that legacy.”

Fellow faculty say she has cemented her place in that legacy. Daniel Watson, MC associate professor of mathematics, regards Poe as a rising star who embodies the ideal educator.

“Dr. Poe consistently exceeds expectations in teaching, scholarship and service,” said Watson, who once taught Poe and now serves as her department chair. “She is exceptionally gifted at taking complex mathematical concepts, such as modern algebra and geometry, and making them understandable, interactive and engaging for students.

“Beyond her brilliance in the classroom, she has a deep heart for teaching and an unwavering commitment to mentoring the whole student. She is a tireless servant-leader who balances a demanding professional trajectory with a profound dedication to her community. She truly represents the very best of MC.”

J. Mignon Kucia, MC professor of communication, recognized Poe’s leadership potential while she was a student in the Swannanoa Social Tribe.

“As a sponsor of Swannanoa, I saw her heart for service, her authenticity and her love for God and others,” Kucia said.

“Her attitude of humility and willingness to serve, combined with her strong intellect, make her a strong addition to our faculty. I’m thankful that she is a part of our campus.”

John Travis, MC professor of mathematics, said Poe demonstrates the intellect of a mathematician and the heart of a servant leader.

“Dr. Poe teaches in a way that avoids the question of, ‘What are we ever going to use this for?’" he said. “She balances demanding precision with a devoted personality. She invests herself with a ministry mindset, inculcating logical thinking in the classroom, promoting students' emotional health and providing social opportunities.”

A native of Summit, Poe credits Ivan Parke, MC professor emeritus of Christian Studies and pastor of her hometown church, and his family for encouraging her to consider MC, where she discovered the wonderful and challenging world of mathematics.

“I always enjoyed math, but the way the professors here taught how math and faith complemented and connected to one another made me want to learn more.”

As an undergraduate at MC, she earned the Perry Award for Scholastic Achievement and served as a summer missionary to Thailand and East Asia. She graduated summa cum laude with a mathematics degree and a ministry minor before earning her master’s and doctoral degrees in mathematics from Baylor University. That’s when the Lord brought her back to MC.

“I had expected to stay at Baylor for at least another year or two, but COVID had just happened, the job market was crazy, and a sister Christian school had reached out to me about an opportunity,” she recalled. “I contacted one of my old mentors at MC for advice. Dr. Tommy Leavelle (a legendary MC math professor who taught for nearly three decades) had been contemplating retiring, and he said if I was ready to take his spot, it was time.”

At MC, Poe rediscovered her academic home.

“What makes MC so special is the genuine faith on campus,” she said. “Christ is more up front across campus and in the classroom than I’ve seen at other places. You see that faith in the community, you see it in the way that professors teach, you see it woven into the lessons and you see it encouraged by administration. I’ve learned what a rare gift that is.”

Beyond the classroom, Poe sponsors Mortar Board, the Math Club, Alpha Chi, and is a faculty mentor for the tennis team. She serves on various committees and contributes to the Baptist Student Union. She also recently successfully secured MC as the host for the prestigious ACMS Brabenec Lectureship, serves as the secretary/treasurer for the Louisiana-Mississippi Section of the Mathematical Association of America and oversees dual enrollment math programs at both St. Augustine School and Starkville Academy.

Poe credits her family throughout her parents, Scott and Hope Thompson, and her brother, Hayes Thompson, for supporting her academic journey. She and her husband, Jonathan, pastor at Bolton Baptist Church, live on a farm between Raymond and Bolton with their 15-month-old son, John Stephen, and are expecting their second child in October.