Mara Alagic

Mara Alagic is a Serbian mathematics educator who serves as the editor‑in‑chief of the Journal of Mathematics and the Arts. She is also an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Graduate Coordinator at Wichita State University. These roles place her at the intersection of mathematics research, pedagogical practice, and academic administration, making her a notable figure in contemporary mathematics education.

Table of Contents

1. [Who Is Mara Alagic?](#who-is-mara-alagic)
2. [Serbia and Mathematics Education](#serbia-and-mathematics-education)
3. [The Role of a Mathematics Educator](#the-role-of-a-mathematics-educator)
4. [Editor‑in‑Chief: Journal of Mathematics and the Arts](#editor‑in‑chief-journal-of-mathematics-and-the-arts)

• 4.1 The Journal’s Mission
• 4.2 Contributions to the Field

1. [Associate Professor in Curriculum and Instruction](#associate-professor-in-curriculum-and-instruction)

• 5.1 Teaching and Mentoring
• 5.2 Curriculum Development

1. [Graduate Coordinator Responsibilities](#graduate-coordinator-responsibilities)
2. [Wichita State University Context](#wichita-state-university-context)
3. [Impact on Mathematics Education](#impact-on-mathematics-education)
4. [Conclusion](#conclusion)
5. [FAQ](#faq)

Who Is Mara Alagic?

Mara Alagic’s professional profile, as documented in publicly available sources, highlights three primary positions:

• Editor‑in‑Chief of the Journal of Mathematics and the Arts
• Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction
• Graduate Coordinator at Wichita State University

Her career trajectory reflects a blend of scholarly publishing, classroom instruction, and graduate program management. While the available data does not disclose her birthdate, early education, or personal background beyond her Serbian nationality, these roles are indicative of a seasoned academic deeply engaged in advancing mathematics education.

Serbia and Mathematics Education

Serbia, a country in Southeast Europe, has a long tradition of excellence in mathematics and the sciences. The Serbian educational system places a strong emphasis on rigorous mathematics instruction from primary through university levels. Historically, Serbian mathematicians have contributed to fields such as algebra, number theory, and geometry, and the nation has produced several internationally recognized scholars.

Within this cultural context, a mathematician who emigrates to the United States often brings a distinct perspective shaped by Serbia’s educational philosophies. This background can influence teaching styles, curricular priorities, and research interests, especially in areas that bridge pure mathematics with applied or interdisciplinary domains.

The Role of a Mathematics Educator

A mathematics educator is responsible for several interrelated tasks:

1. Instruction – Designing lessons, delivering content, and assessing student learning.
2. Research – Investigating pedagogical strategies, curriculum efficacy, and learning outcomes.
3. Professional Development – Guiding other teachers, creating resources, and contributing to the broader educational community.
4. Leadership – Participating in departmental governance, curriculum committees, and sometimes university‑wide initiatives.

In this context, Alagic’s work as an associate professor places her at the heart of both teaching and scholarly inquiry. Her responsibilities likely involve developing courses that explore innovative mathematics teaching methods, supervising graduate students, and contributing to curriculum design.

Editor‑in‑Chief: Journal of Mathematics and the Arts

4.1 The Journal’s Mission

The Journal of Mathematics and the Arts is a peer‑reviewed publication that focuses on the intersection between mathematical concepts and artistic expression. Its aim is to showcase how mathematics can inform, inspire, and be communicated through artistic mediums such as visual arts, music, dance, and literature. By serving as editor‑in‑chief, Alagic oversees the editorial process, ensures the quality of submissions, and shapes the journal’s thematic direction.

4.2 Contributions to the Field

While specific articles or editorial initiatives led by Alagic are not listed in the source material, the role of editor‑in‑chief typically involves:

• Curating Content – Selecting manuscripts that align with the journal’s vision.
• Peer‑Review Management – Coordinating reviewers, maintaining standards, and facilitating constructive feedback.
• Strategic Planning – Setting special issues, encouraging interdisciplinary submissions, and expanding readership.

Through these activities, Alagic contributes to a growing body of scholarship that demonstrates mathematics’ relevance beyond traditional boundaries, fostering appreciation among educators, artists, and the public.

Associate Professor in Curriculum and Instruction

5.1 Teaching and Mentoring

As an associate professor, Alagic teaches courses that likely cover topics such as:

• Advanced mathematics pedagogy
• Curriculum design and assessment
• Integration of technology in mathematics classrooms

In addition to delivering lectures, she mentors undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them through research projects, teaching practicums, and professional development opportunities.

5.2 Curriculum Development

Curriculum and Instruction departments are tasked with developing and evaluating educational programs. Alagic’s role probably includes:

• Designing new courses or revising existing ones to reflect contemporary research.
• Assessing the effectiveness of instructional strategies through data analysis.
• Collaborating with other departments to create interdisciplinary learning experiences.

Her dual focus on mathematics and instructional theory positions her to influence both content delivery and the pedagogical frameworks that support it.

Graduate Coordinator Responsibilities

Graduate coordinators manage the administrative and academic aspects of graduate programs. Key duties include:

• Admissions Oversight – Reviewing applications, coordinating interviews, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies.
• Program Management – Scheduling courses, monitoring progress, and maintaining academic records.
• Student Support – Advising on research, funding, and professional development.

In the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the graduate coordinator plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of educators and scholars. Alagic’s position thus extends her influence beyond her own teaching to the broader graduate community.

Wichita State University Context

Wichita State University (WSU) is a public research institution located in Wichita, Kansas. Founded in 1895, WSU offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction is one of the university’s key academic units, dedicated to training teachers, developing educational research, and fostering innovative teaching practices.

Within this setting, Alagic collaborates with colleagues across departments, participates in university‑wide initiatives, and contributes to WSU’s reputation as a center for educational excellence. Her presence in the faculty roster underscores the university’s commitment to integrating research, practice, and community engagement.

Impact on Mathematics Education

Alagic’s multifaceted roles amplify her influence on several fronts:

1. Research Dissemination – As editor‑in‑chief, she facilitates the spread of innovative ideas that connect mathematics with the arts.
2. Pedagogical Practice – Through teaching and curriculum design, she translates research into classroom strategies that enhance student engagement.
3. Graduate Training – Her coordination work ensures that graduate students receive comprehensive academic and professional guidance.

Collectively, these contributions help shape contemporary mathematics education, encouraging educators to adopt interdisciplinary perspectives, data‑driven decision‑making, and student‑centered learning environments.

Conclusion

Mara Alagic exemplifies the modern mathematics educator who bridges scholarship, instruction, and administration. While the publicly available facts about her are concise, her roles signal a deep commitment to advancing mathematics education through research, publication, and graduate mentorship. By steering a journal that celebrates the harmony between math and the arts, leading curriculum innovation, and overseeing graduate studies, she plays a pivotal part in cultivating the next generation of educators and thinkers.

FAQ

What subjects does Mara Alagic teach at Wichita State University? She teaches courses related to mathematics pedagogy, curriculum development, and instructional strategies, focusing on how to effectively deliver mathematical concepts in diverse learning environments.

What is the primary focus of the Journal of Mathematics and the Arts? The journal explores how mathematical ideas intersect with artistic expression, publishing research that highlights the aesthetic, cultural, and communicative aspects of mathematics.

How does Alagic’s role as Graduate Coordinator influence her students? As Graduate Coordinator, she manages admissions, coursework, and academic support for graduate students, ensuring they receive comprehensive guidance throughout their program.

Why is the intersection of mathematics and the arts important in education? Combining mathematics with the arts fosters creative thinking, deepens conceptual understanding, and demonstrates the relevance of mathematical ideas in everyday life and culture.

What impact does Alagic have on the broader mathematics education community? Through her editorial leadership, curriculum design, and graduate mentorship, she disseminates innovative research, shapes teaching practices, and supports the professional growth of educators and scholars.