WKU News

Dr. Tim Gott, director of the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, has been elected president of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology (NCSSSMST).

Gott began his one-year term at the NCSSSMST annual meeting held earlier this month in Denver, Colo. Prior to his appointment as president, Gott had served on the NCSSSMST board of directors for four years.

As president, Gott will lead an alliance of 150 secondary schools that focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. “Schools within the NCSSSMST are committed to transforming the lives of its student and promoting excellence in STEM education,” Gott said.

Gott’s election as president of the consortium also reflects the prominent role that the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at WKU has begun to play in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education community.

“NCSSSMST institutions played a major role in the development of the Gatton Academy,” Gott said. “NCSSSMST facilitates communication between peer institutions from across the United States. This allows schools like the Gatton Academy to share and explore new ideas on what STEM educations should look like.”

During his tenure as president, Gott will seek to expand the membership of NCSSSMST in light of the recent growth of STEM-focused schools. Furthermore, Gott will help establish NCSSSMST as a leading voice in the promotion of STEM education at a national level.

About the NCSSSMST: The NCSSSMST is an association of 150 STEM-focused secondary schools and nearly one hundred colleges and universities. In total, NCSSSMST represents more than 40,000 students and 1,600 educators. The goal of the consortium is to foster, support and advance the efforts of those specialized schools whose primary purpose is to attract and academically prepare students for leadership in mathematics, science and technology.

Contact: Chad Phillips, (270) 745-6565.