Julie A. Keener

Professor of Mathematics

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Keener says that although she was not a stellar math student, she does enjoy working with students who struggle with the subject.

Oftentimes students learn the steps of math, but don't understand why they are doing them, said Keener. My goal is for students to build a strong foundation of understanding that allows them to successfully continue on with math.

Keener has watched some of her students progress from Math 10 (arithmetic) to upper division courses and that, she says, is the most rewarding aspect of her job.

In Julie's classes, students become active learners, said colleague Mike Sequeira. She challenges those who think they know math to understand the subject more deeply, and she does it in a super positive way.

Keener, a former middle school teacher, has been a member of the COCC faculty since 1990, primarily teaching the series of math courses for elementary school teachers as well as developmental math courses. In 2003, COCC honored her with its Faculty Achievement Award.