Ndao named recipient of 48th David L. Underwood Memorial Lecture Award

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley named Rokhaya “Daba” N. Ndao, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, recipient of the 48th David L. Underwood Memorial Lecture Award.

She will present the commemorative lecture in fall 2023.

The late David L. Underwood was known for his love of education. He was deeply concerned with the welfare of students and staff alike. His dedication went beyond office hours – and he tirelessly gave of his time and talents to further the educational mission at Florissant Valley.

Recipients of the Underwood Memorial Lecture Award demonstrate that same dedication and commitment. Chosen by a committee of peers, the recipient exhibits excellence in instruction and a genuine, humanistic concern for students, faculty, staff, and all of education.

Sharon North, the 45th recipient of the Underwood Award, creatively shared clues about this year’s deserving colleague during a presentation held inside the David L. Underwood Library before revealing Ndao as the winner of the prestigious honor.

North described Ndao’s service to St. Louis Community College as honorable and impressive.

“She currently serves as chair of the math department and cares deeply about student success. Dr. Ndao was selected to represent the district in a National Science Foundation grant to apply an evidence-based educational approach for student-centered learning and “flipped” instruction in differential equations. In her flipped classroom, students used the extensive collection of videos Dr. Ndao created before class and classroom time to engage in assignments and discussions.

“Dr. Ndao is also a contributing author of OpenStax’s “Corequisite to College Algebra” textbook. This open and free educational resource provides support to students, regardless of their ability to pay. Her extraordinary commitment to providing students with a strong foundation in mathematics is a model of excellence,” North said.

Ndao has earned a reputation for being organized, having high standards and being professionally dressed. 

Her students use words like amazing, caring and “the best mathematics professor ever” to describe her, and it is common for her to mentor students beyond their tenure at STLCC.

Being honored for something she loves doing is a lift for Ndao.

“At first, I felt overwhelmed, because I could only focus on the presentation I have to deliver in August. Then I realized the importance of the Underwood Award and I felt humbled, confident and proud at the same time.” Ndao said.

“I never thought that I would be a recipient of an award for doing what I am passionate about: teaching and helping my students in every way I can. This award represents a validation of having chosen this noble profession of teaching and an encouragement to continue to expand minds and change lives.”