LeighAnne Locke brings a diverse understanding of academic experiences to Oral Roberts University. She has worked at both the K-12 and university levels. Professor Locke came to ORU in 2000 after working as an adjunct professor at Tulsa Community College and Rogers State University. As an educator, Professor Locke is known for engaging students in critical thinking and challenging her students to look for the awe and wonder of God’s creation in the mathematics they study.
At ORU, Locke has taught a variety of Mathematics courses including Calculus, Senior Paper Preparation, Senior Paper Research, College Geometry, Trigonometry and College Algebra. She has also served as a faculty member for the Honors Department and worked with the ORU College of Education to teach the elementary mathematics methods courses and supervise mathematics education student teachers. Locke has often been honored for both teaching and service, including twice being recognized as Department Faculty Member of the Year. She has received the Excellence in Teaching Award, Dedication to Education Recognition Award, Outstanding Faculty Service Award for the College of Science & Engineering, and Outstanding Faculty Service Award for the Department.
Outside the classroom, Professor Locke serves as the Chair of the Computing and Mathematics Department. Locke’s research focuses on corpus linguistics in mathematics, mathematics education, and mathematics curriculum in both P-12 and higher education. Her scholarship has been published in a variety of peer-reviewed journals. She is also active in grant writing and through collaboration with an ORU chemistry professor received a National Science Foundation award from the Robert Noyce Scholarship Program for over one million dollars to promote math and science majors to become teachers in STEM subject areas in public schools. Professor Locke earned a B.S. in Mathematics Education at ORU, and a M.S. in Applied Mathematics at University of Tulsa.
LeighAnne loves working with the students, faculty and staff at ORU. "It's a great collaborative environment at ORU where professors work together to bring the very best education to students. Faculty share openly, with little thought of personal gain or loss. The focus is on doing what will most help our students in the future," LeighAnne commented. "I remind my students that God can use everyone. He has a plan for each of us. Teaching math is my mission. My hope is that when students look at me and my life they can see God at work using me for His purpose."