Margaret Bayer to be Inducted into 2020 Women's Hall of Fame

Margaret Bayer, professor of mathematics, is to be inducted into the University of Kansas 2020 Women’s Hall of Fame.  She will be joining a class of five.  The award ceremony that was to take place April 21 was postponed due to the concern of COVID-19.

Since 1970, the Women’s Hall of Fame has honored 241 exemplary KU alumnae, faculty, staff, and affiliate women who, through their significant contributions, achievements, overall impact, and outstanding character, serve as role models for students as career women and community leaders. These remarkable women’s accomplishments are featured on the KU Women’s Hall of Fame website, and can be found on the adjoining kiosk located next to the display on the 5th floor of the Kansas Union. 

Professor Bayer, who came to KU in 1988, has been a steadfast and enthusiastic supporter of women in mathematics.  She was recently named to the 2020 Class of Fellows for the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) for her far-reaching work on the combinatorics and geometry of polytopes; for a long record of successfully mentoring, advising and supervising women in mathematics at all levels; and for her service to AWM and the profession.  Bayer has provided an extraordinary level of service at all levels of the profession.  She served eight years as Associate Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies at KU.  She has also served on numerous college and university committees and was chosen as a KU Woman of Distinction for the academic year 2012-2013 and received the AWM Service Award in 2013.  

Her nomination letter states, “She constantly strives to help students develop their independence and good communication skills as they advance in their studies.”  Her success as a teacher and mentor has brought her well-deserved recognition.  Her awards for teaching include the Outstanding Teacher Award from the KU Commission on the Status of Women; a Recognized Teacher Award from KU’s Center for Excellence in Teaching; and the department’s Max Wells Award for Teaching Excellence. 

Marge joins other mathematics faculty in the hall of fame:  Bozenna Pasik-Duncan (2009), Wealthy Babcock (1973) and Florence Black (1973).