WSSU math chair, Felicia Simpson, selected to deliver prestigious Cox–Talbot Address at National Mathematics Conference

Dr. Felicia Simpson, chair of the Department of Mathematics at Winston-Salem State University, was selected by the Executive Board of the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM) to deliver the distinguished Cox–Talbot Address during the Joint Mathematics Meetings, the largest annual gathering of mathematicians in the world. The program was held in January in Washington, DC.

Established in 1990, the Cox–Talbot Address honors Dr. Elbert Frank Cox and Dr. Walter Richard Talbot, the first and fourth African Americans to earn doctoral degrees in mathematics. Simpson was selected following a national nomination process conducted by NAM’s Board of Directors, which annually elects a mathematical scientist or educator whose career reflects the pioneers’ legacy of scholarly excellence, service and commitment to the mathematical community. The hour-long address is delivered during the annual NAM Banquet held in conjunction with the Joint Mathematics Meetings.

Her lecture, titled “Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Diverse Representation in Mathematical, Statistical, and Data Sciences,” focused on the need to broaden participation across mathematics, statistics and data science. While progress has been made, Simpson noted that women and several historically underrepresented groups continue to face challenges.

During the address, Simpson explored strategies for closing these gaps, including early exposure and access, addressing stereotypes and identity threats, improving college readiness, strengthening mentorship and belonging, and reducing financial and socioeconomic barriers. She also highlighted both the progress achieved nationally and the work that remains.

Drawing from her leadership at WSSU, Simpson shared concrete strategies she has implemented as department chair, including innovative recruitment practices, curricular and pedagogical reform, student retention initiatives, mentorship, partnerships with industry and graduate programs, targeted outreach and marketing, and financial support mechanisms. Collectively, these efforts have contributed to increased enrollment of students from diverse backgrounds in undergraduate and graduate programs in mathematics, statistics and data science at WSSU, she said.

“It is an honor to be recognized nationally for my work to increase representation in mathematics and statistics at both the university and national levels,” Simpson said. “This recognition affirms that the work I am doing truly matters across multiple dimensions. It is deeply rewarding to share this knowledge with others so that, together, we can continue this important work and be the change we want to see in the field, one that fosters greater innovation and more creative problem-solving among diverse people.”

The experience was also personal because Simpson’s students were present in the audience. “They know my journey to a career in biostatistics and the challenges I faced along the way, and some of them have faced or are currently facing similar obstacles. I hope my story inspires them to continue striving toward their goals, even in the midst of difficult times or setbacks. I hope seeing me on that stage helps them envision themselves in this field. I also hope that being in a room with some of the top African American mathematicians in the world strengthened their sense of belonging in the discipline.”

This achievement, along with recent recognitions, reinforces Simpson’s choice to build her career at an HBCU. “I truly love what I do and the impact I am making.”

Want to learn more?
Simpson will continue the conversation locally when she delivers a related public lecture as part of Winston-Salem State University’s 2026 Curiosity Exchange: A Community Speaker Series. The talk, titled “Strength in Numbers: Strategies for Diversity and Representation in Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science,” will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. at the Forsyth County Central Library. The event is free and open to the public.