Carl Prather, professor of mathematics in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of “professor emeritus” by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Timothy Sands. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1977, Prather contributed to the continuing vitality of classical analysis with papers characterized by his peers as elegant and substantial.

In the classroom, Prather taught a variety of mathematics classes with an enthusiasm for mathematics and with a theatrical flair that were widely recognized and appreciated by his students. He shared with students his love of mathematical challenges through his work on departmental and national mathematics competition committees.

Prather frequently gave talks at leading research universities, at historically black colleges and universities, and at meetings of professional societies.

Prather received his bachelor’s degree from Trinity College and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech takes a hands-on, engaging approach to education, preparing scholars to be leaders in their fields and communities. As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers 240 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 31,000 students and manages a research portfolio of $513 million. The university fulfills its land-grant mission of transforming knowledge to practice through technological leadership and by fueling economic growth and job creation locally, regionally, and across Virginia.

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