Richland College professor honored by Dallas Historical Society

by Jenni Gilmer, Richland College

Raj Seekri’s patient teaching style and gentle personality have taken the fear out of math for hundreds of students. His love of math and of people is being honored on Nov. 10.

Mr. Seekri, a professor of mathematics at Richland College, is among 11 individuals and organizations that will be recognized as the 2008 recipients of the Dallas Historical Society’s Awards for Excellence in Community Service.

The Awards for Excellence in Community Service recognize community leaders in several fields who have made singular contributions to the quality of life in Dallas and the surrounding area. Outstanding individuals are selected for this honor from nominations solicited from the Dallas community. Mr. Seekri is this year’s recipient in the field of education. Other honorees include renowned chef Dean Fearing and DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa.

Past recipients include Dallas County Community College District Chancellor Wright Lassiter, R.L. Thornton Jr., H. Ross Perot, Stanley Marcus, J. Erik Jonsson, Tom Landry and Nancy Brinker.

An example of Mr. Seekri’s calming influence with students can be seen from an anonymous comment on a course evaluation form.

“Math has never been my strong suit, but through Professor Seekri’s patience and enthusiasm I’ve found that I’m not so horrible at math after all – even ‘dreaded’ calculus,” the student wrote.

In a note to the dean of Mr. Seekri’s area, former student Christopher Zettle commended Mr. Seekri, describing him as nurturing and inspiring.

“I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude towards Professor Raj Seekri, whom I have had the privilege of having as my Calculus II instructor,” Mr. Zettle wrote. “Mr. Seekri’s experience and genuineness towards his students was extremely appreciated. It’s not often to come across instructors who do more than teach basics skills in the course.”

Mr. Seekri learned his love of math and helping others from his father, who was a teacher in India. Mr. Seekri has financially supported more than 30 members of his extended family in their higher education studies.

Mr. Seekri earned a bachelor of arts, bachelor of technology and master of arts degree from Punjab University in India, as well as a master of science degree from Ball State University and a master’s of business administration from the University of Dayton.

Before coming to Richland, Mr. Seekri taught at Eastfield College from 1973 until 1997. Mr. Seekri also teaches at the University of Texas at Dallas.

He was the Excellence in Teaching recipient for Adjunct Faculty at Eastfield in 1996, and the Excellence in Teaching recipient at Richland for Associate Faculty in 2002.