David Dempsey
Professor of Mathematics
137 Ayers Hall
256-782-5124
ddempsey@jsu.edu
Dr. Dempsey has been teaching mathematics at JSU since the turn of the century (2000), but JSU has always been a part of his life. His parents, J. Wayne and Sharon Dempsey, both taught math at JSU, and he considers himself fortunate to have followed in their footsteps, aspiring to make a difference in the lives of his students, whether they are majoring in math, math education, computer science, or anything else. Dr. Dempsey is a two-time alumnus of JSU, earning degrees in mathematics and music, and he was a resident in the International House during this time (1990-94). In addition to teaching, Dr. Dempsey serves as faculty co-advisor for the JSU Math Club and Kappa Mu Epsilon (KME) National Mathematics Honor Society, as well as the National Treasurer for KME (2015-2023). An avid musician, Dr. Dempsey is the staff organist at Jacksonville First United Methodist Church, as well as a member of the Calhoun County Civic Chorale.
Courses Taught
Dr. Dempsey has taught almost every undergraduate course (other than statistics), as well as several graduate courses. Favorite courses include the calculus sequence, MS 300 (Introduction to Advanced Mathematics), MS 441 (Abstract Algebra I), and MS 475 (Seminar in Mathematics)--a course he created to serve as a capstone course for math and math education students.Education
- PhD—University of Kentucky, 2000.
- Major: Algebra
- Minor: Topology
- Dissertation Title: “Functors and the Preservation of Covers and Envelopes”
- MS—Jacksonville State University, 1994
- Major: Mathematics
- BA—Jacksonville State University, 1992
- Majors: Mathematics and Music (Piano)