Trustees Approve Faculty Promotion and Appointment During May Meeting

June 2, 2025

The OBU Board of Trustees approved a faculty promotion and an appointment during its meeting on May 9 at the Geiger Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee.

Trustees approved Dr. Cherith Tucker's promotion from associate professor of mathematics to professor and the appointment of Dr. Albert Chen as senior professor.

Tucker earned her Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Southern Nazarene University in 2007, her Master of Arts in mathematics from the University of Oklahoma in 2009 and a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Oklahoma in 2013. She joined the OBU faculty as an assistant professor of mathematics in the fall of 2013. Before arriving at OBU, she served as a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Oklahoma and as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Mathematics at Southern Nazarene University. Tucker has served as chair of mathematics at OBU since January 2018.

Tucker’s main research interests are in low-dimensional topology. She enjoys learning, researching and teaching about areas of topology such as knot theory, graph theory and the topology of manifolds.

“Dr. Cherith Tucker exemplifies the highest standards of academic excellence and dedication to student success,” Dr. Larinee Dennis, co-provost/chief academic officer, said. “Her promotion to professor is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding scholarship, leadership in the Division of Mathematics, and unwavering commitment to OBU’s mission. We are grateful for her continued contributions to our academic community."

Chen, a professor of physics, retired following the 2024-25 academic year after teaching at OBU for 39 years. As a senior professor, he will serve as an adjunct instructor.

With a passion for space physics, Chen conducted research as a NASA Summer Research Fellow at several NASA centers, including Johnson Space Center, Dryden Flight Research Center, Stennis Space Center and Kennedy Space Center. His work included Martian dust studies and engineering simulations for space shuttle technology.

Chen earned his bachelor’s degree in Taiwan and both his master’s and doctorate degrees at Baylor University. At OBU, he taught all levels of physics and inspired students to pursue graduate education. Named Teacher of the Year by Mortar Board in 1989 and recipient of OBU’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 2015, Chen is known for challenging, mentoring and preparing students for success in science and beyond.

“Dr. Albert Chen’s legacy at OBU is one of profound impact and inspiration,” Dennis said. “For nearly four decades, he has challenged and mentored generations of students, fostering a love for physics and a pursuit of excellence. We are honored that he will continue to share his expertise as a senior professor and we celebrate his remarkable career with deep appreciation.”