McMath leaves behind great contributions

This article was originally published on March 21, 2003. It details the career of Robert McMath at Tech. With McMath's departure, this feature provides a look back at many of his accomplishments.

While an undergraduate student at North Texas State University, Robert McMath became "hooked" on history after becoming involved with an undergraduate research project. McMath went on to receive his Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1972. After graduation, McMath decided to accept a teaching position at Georgia Tech. Tech had a school of social sciences that McMath said offered a wide variety of undergraduate history courses even though it did not offer any degrees. McMath enjoyed his position because it was not the typical job post-doctoral position for a history professor.

"I liked the students, and working with students from a wide variety of backgrounds and not just from my own field. I really enjoyed getting to meet faculty from the different fields," said McMath. "It was a more open environment to be a professor in other places where you get stuck in your own little department."

McMath's research and teaching interests have dealt with American political movements, particularly populism as a movement in the United States and Europe, the history of the new south and the history of technology. McMath has written numerous articles on American history and the history of the American South and authored or co-authored seven books. His books include a history textbook-The American People: A History, co-authored with Arthur S. Link- and American Populism: A Social History, his most recent book.

A journal article that McMath wrote on the origins of Georgia Tech with retired professor Jim Witten led to the most comprehensive history book ever written on the school. After the article was published, Dr. Joseph Petit called McMath to his office and told him that the school needed a scholarly history of Georgia Tech to be written for the Institute's centennial (in 1985).

McMath was reluctant at first because of his other research and teaching commitments. Also, McMath said, it can be difficult for professors to be objective when writing about their own university, so the writing could be viewed as a "puff piece."

After consulting other colleagues in the department, McMath and four other professors, including Ronald Bayor, went back to Petit and told him that they would write the book on a few conditions, which they did not think Petit would agree to. The conditions were: a decrease in the team's teaching and research commitments, full editorial control over the project, funding and complete access to the school's records.

Instead of the "no" the team was expecting, Petit said, "when can you start?"

The project was unique in that it combined professors with overlapping interests in the history of technology, the south, education and urbanization.

In just two short years, the team had completed the research and writing and Engineering the New South: Georgia Tech, 1885-1985 was published in 1985. Further along in his time at Tech, McMath was chosen to be one of two associate deans to help organize the Ivan Allen College during its formation.

After a couple of years, McMath went on to become Chair of the School of History, Technology and Society. In 1996, he traveled to Italy as a Fulbright Lecturer. While in Italy, McMath learned that President Clough had created the position of Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Academic Affairs.

McMath applied for the position after he returned to Tech in the fall and subsequently became "the lucky winner" of the position.

As Vice Provost, McMath oversees student academic services and coordinates campus-wide initiatives designed to improve the learning environment for students.

One of his major projects right now is the building and the development of the Undergraduate Learning Center, which will begin construction as soon as funding is secured from the state.

The learning center will be the new home of freshman science labs, a few classes, academic support offices, tutoring assistance, advising and other information for students.

"It's both an academic building and part of the library informations system and kind of a gathering place for students right in the center of campus," said McMath.

McMath still continues to teach history courses as well, despite his busy administrative schedule. He notes that teaching is very rewarding and satisfying to him, and he is usually happiest in the day after he's come out of teaching one of his classes. His classes have included a class on the history of Georgia Tech (taught twice in 1985 and 1999), history of the south courses and special topics classes.

His current course is a history class designed to help students understand political and social affairs in the United States from 1960s to the present.

"Personally it's very satisfying to me to interact and teach undergraduates," McMath said. McMath said he considers working with students the most rewarding part of his job.

During his tenure at Tech, McMath has received numerous awards including the George W. Griffith Award for Outstanding Teaching, the Dean James E. Dull Administrator of the Year Award and the Governor's Award for the Humanities. Outside of Georgia Tech, McMath is currently collaborating with his wife, Linda, a public school administrator in Dekalb County, on a historical travel guide to the eastern shore of Virginia and Maryland.