Angela Crumer, lecturer of mathematics and statistics, with 11 years of teaching experience, holds a Ph.D in quantitative psychology and degrees in applied math, statistics and math education. She joined Washburn University as an adjunct instructor, teaching quantitative psychology and math courses. Crumer emphasizes guiding students to solve problems independently and values the supportive atmosphere at Washburn.
Outside of teaching, she enjoys playing violin and piano and developing a playing-based violin curriculum. Influenced by Daniel Quinn’s “Ishmael,” she aims to help students learn to tackle complex problems methodically. Crumer advises pursuing a career that brings daily joy and satisfaction.
“I just try to guide students to come to the answer themselves. So instead of saying ‘two plus two is four,’ I’m like, ‘Okay, if I have two things, and I add two more, how many do you think we’ll have?’ and then let them think about it and get themselves to the answer. And I just act as a guide to push them in the right direction, and maybe give them hints when they’re stuck,” Crumer said.
Sweta Chettri, freshman business major and a student of Cramer’s, was impacted by the professor’s teaching style because of her ability to simplify complex concepts.
“I should appreciate her because her dedication to helping students succeed and her ability to break down difficult concepts and her patience in answering question has impacted so much, and I can learn a lot from that and her teaching style, whether it’s engaging on lecture, step by step explanation or real world application, she makes learning easier and more enjoyable,” said chettri.
Beth McNamee, a mathematics and statistics faculty member at Washburn University since 2012, discussed her professional relationship with Crumer. McNamee highlighted Crumer’s role in creating a new online statistics course by fall 2026. Crumer is praised for her hands-on teaching approach and dedication to student support, such as offering extra help sessions.
McNamee said Crumer has grown over the years, particularly her ability to manage workload and stress while pursuing her doctorate. McNamee also described Angela as energetic, friendly and hardworking, emphasizing her passion for statistics.
“I think she really engages with the students by setting up specific times to meet with them. She does things like saying, ‘Come in and tell me what you did wrong on the test, and we’ll bring back some points,’ so the students know they can work with her,” McNamee said.
Crumer still teaches college algebra and statistics at Washburn University where her impact continues to reach students in her courses.
Edited by Jeremy Ford and Jayme Thompson.
