Kelly Devert
Graduation year: 2025
High school: Princeton High School
Hometown: Princeton, Ill.
Majors: Mathematics; math education; middle grades math
Activities: POST Scholarship Program, Yarn Club, Safer Foundation tutoring, Pi Mu Epsilon (mathematics)
Internships: POST Scholar Research Project 2024; student teaching, Davenport Central High School, Fall 2025
Post-grad plans: I'm aiming to teach at either a high school or middle school, though I'm still deciding which one. Ideally, I would like to work at a smaller school. After gaining a few years of experience, I plan to apply for a master's program.
Why Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø?
Transitioning from a community college to a four-year institution can feel a bit intimidating at first. When I visited Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø, it just felt like home, so I knew I had to come here.
The education program also gives us the chance to gain hands-on experience in the field before we begin student teaching. I've heard many positive things about the education department and the sense of community here, and I knew I couldn¡¯t pass up the opportunity.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
My answer is kind of. As a transfer student, I knew my majors, but I wasn¡¯t sure what to expect outside the classroom. I didn¡¯t know what opportunities would be available or what the campus community would be like. I had no idea what friendships I¡¯d form or how I¡¯d connect with others.
Looking back, I¡¯m grateful for the experiences and relationships I¡¯ve built, but it¡¯s been a journey of discovering more than I expected.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
My friends and family¡¯s overwhelming support has been crucial in getting me to where I am today. My time at community college provided a strong foundation, and at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø, the education and math departments have been instrumental in my growth. They helped me gain confidence and improved my ability to communicate mathematical concepts in multiple ways.
Specifically, I would like to thank:
Dr. Egan (education) for encouraging me to attend Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø, guiding me through scheduling and inspiring me to explore different ways of teaching mathematics.
Dr. Frank (physics) for his invaluable support as our summer research advisor.
Dr. Randazzo (mathematics) for helping me think critically and deepen my understanding of mathematical concepts, even when I needed repeated explanations.
Dr. Sward (mathematics) for pushing me to explore abstract algebra and helping me grasp complex mathematical ideas, even when it took extra time and effort.
Peak experience?
Attending and presenting at a conference. I also participated in the Post Scholar Research Project, where I worked on mathematically representing social media addiction.
Volunteering with the Safer Foundation program has been another highlight, as I¡¯ve enjoyed helping people earn their high school equivalency degree and being part of such a supportive environment.
These experiences have been pivotal in shaping my journey and broadening my perspective.
What surprised you?
What surprised me was how quickly time passed. I was so immersed in my classes that the semesters flew by. I also didn¡¯t expect the number of opportunities I had, especially as a transfer student. For example, I had opportunities to be a grader and math tutor, but due to scheduling, and only 24 hours in a day, I couldn't participate in these activities.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I plan to use my Augie Choice award for student teaching in fall 2025. Since I¡¯ve already had the opportunity to travel with my family, I feel that this award would be better spent supporting my student teaching experience instead.
What will you miss the most?
What I¡¯ll miss the most is a little bit of everything, especially the sense of community. I¡¯ve really valued spending time with my friends, whether it was studying together or just hanging out.
I¡¯ll also miss going to office hours to get help with math problems ¡ª those small interactions with professors and peers have been so supportive. It¡¯s the combination of these everyday moments, the connections I¡¯ve built, and the welcoming atmosphere that will be hard to leave behind.
Advice for the Class of 2029?
Take your time deciding on a major and don¡¯t be afraid to change your mind. I certainly did before landing on mathematics and math education. Choose something that truly interests you ¡ª when you¡¯re passionate about your major, it makes your whole college experience more fulfilling.
"From her first year as a transfer student in my intro to proofs course to a top student in my upper-level math courses, I have watched Kelly grow as a mathematician and as a person. She has always been fully dedicated to learning and puts extreme care into all of her work. She has the potential to be a great mathematics educator, and I'm excited to see what she does in the future!"