Math professor emeritus, golf coach emeritus to receive Award of Excellence at MC’s Homecoming

Dr. John McMath, MC mathematics professor emeritus and head men's golf coach emeritus, said he is 'greatly blessed' by his many years of service to the University.

Golf is a precision sport, driven by the mathematical principles of geometry, trigonometry, physics and statistics. The ability to calculate distances, angles and trajectories on the fly and execute the exact swing path for pinpoint shot accuracy requires more internal calculations than Copernicus had abacuses.

Little wonder that it appealed to Dr. John McMath, MC mathematics professor emeritus, who taught both undergraduate and graduate mathematics courses full-time at Mississippi College for more than a quarter of a century.

When asked by MC’s legendary athletic director Mike Jones in 2005 to restart the University’s dormant golf program, McMath agreed to coach the men’s team. He remained in the dual position of professor and head coach for 14 years, shaping minds in the classroom while helping promising student-athletes refine their game on the links.

But McMath’s greatest impact, according to Kenny Bizot, MC’s current athletic director, lay beyond his twin passions of mathematics and golf – it was reflected in how much he cares for everyone on campus.

“He is a mentor to many students, student-athletes and faculty,” Bizot said. “I can speak first-hand to the positive impact he has made in my life. Dr. McMath and Mrs. (Charlotte) McMath served as parents for many athletes who left home to attend Mississippi College.

“I owe them both a great deal for always being there for me.”

Melinda Gann, MC professor emerita of mathematics and a longtime colleague of McMath’s, calls him a “man of unsurpassed integrity, generosity and wisdom.

“He has invested his life in the people and place that is Mississippi College,” Gann said. “I, along with countless others, have benefited from his insightful tutelage and mentorship.

“I am a better person and professor because he invested in me.”

For his hard work, dedication and perseverance over many years of service to Mississippi College, McMath will receive the Award of Excellence during the annual National Alumni Association Awards Brunch at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, in Anderson Hall on the second floor of the B.C. Rogers Student Center as part of MC’s 2025 Homecoming festivities.

The award honors men and women who have rendered distinguished service to Mississippi College. The honor is limited to those who, through a long period of years, have worked with marked intelligence and success to promote the highest interests of the University.

“I am honored and humbled to be receiving this award,” McMath said. “I appreciate the opportunity that Mississippi College provided to me in teaching and coaching some great young people for over 30 years of my life. It has allowed me to build long-lasting relationships with faculty, students, parents and others that I would not have been able to do otherwise.

“I have been greatly blessed by my years of service here.”

McMath earned his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University, his master’s degree from Texas Tech University and his Ph.D. from Louisiana Tech University. He taught mathematics at Macon Junior College and Tift College before coming to MC in 1987. After retiring from full-time teaching in 2013, he continued on a part-time basis in the graduate curriculum for an additional two years.

During his teaching tenure, McMath developed two courses in MC’s Mathematics department: “Foundations of Mathematics,” required for both a major and minor in mathematics, and “Problem Solving,” an upper-level course to assist students who were primarily interested in actuarial science.

His dream as MC’s golf coach had been an indoor facility where the golf team could practice, regardless of the weather. In January of 2024, that dream became reality with the opening of the John and Charlotte McMath Golf Center. His wife, the former Charlotte Madden, is a proud alumnus of Mississippi College.

Because of their strong support for Mississippi College Athletics, the pair have twice been named recipients of the Distinguished Service Award by the M Club.

An excellent wood craftsman, McMath has generously shared his talent with various departments on campus. He built the lockers in the men’s basketball locker room, the podium in the “Rebounder’s Room,” the mail cabinet in the Athletic Department, and wooden hutches and shelving units for several faculty and staff members’ desks.

“Dr. McMath has been a cornerstone of our athletic department and our institution,” Bizot said. “His dedication, leadership and passion have positively impacted many student-athletes and students. We are forever grateful for the impact Dr. McMath has had on our athletic department and our campus as a whole.”