It's not every day that a person gets "legendary" added to their resume, but that's exactly what happened for Minerva Cordero-Epperson late last year. The professor of mathematics and associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Science was honored by Ford Motor Company as a Mujer Legendaria.
Dr. Cordero-Epperson was recognized for excellence in teaching and a decades-long commitment to increasing diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, programs. She was one of four in North Texas to receive the honor.
"My passion for creating awareness of the value of STEM degrees and careers is fueled by my interactions with students and parents," she says. "I am very grateful to be working at UTA, where diversity and the pursuit of excellence embody our commitment to the community."
Cordero-Epperson joined UTA in 2001 and has served in a number of national leadership roles focused on diversity in science fields. Her accolades include the Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award from The University of Texas System and the Texas Section Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics. In October 2016, at the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference, Cordero-Epperson was awarded the Great Minds in STEM Education Distinction.
