Tim HuffmanMathematical mind
What do you appreciate about working at NWC?
The congeniality among faculty and with students. As a community, we work reasonably well together. And we have a very pleasant math department.
How would you describe Northwestern students?
For the most part, they are solid and well-prepared. The best thing about Northwestern students is they’ll do what you ask them to do. And the worst thing is they’ll do what you ask them to do. They want to please you so much, they tend to not go outside the box.
What do you “do” in the big sense of the word?
I’m about making sure we offer an exceptional experience.
What one thing would you change about Northwestern?
Northwestern is better than it gives itself credit for. We hit ourselves over the head more than we should.
What are your dreams?
Professionally, I’d like to build the premiere actuarial program in the nation among Christian colleges and have it be recognized among the top 20 outright. My other dream is to take an around-the-world cruise. I think the first dream is more likely.
Describe yourself in three words.
Determined, direct and motivated.
What are you an expert at?
Statistics and predictive modeling.
What do you wish you were an expert at?
Piano. I’m good at vocal music, but I don’t have the dexterity for the keyboard.
What have you learned about God from mathematics?
In mathematics you marvel at some of the intricacies of nature. A lot of it points back to the providence of God. It’s pretty hard to say everything happened by accident if you look at the complexity of things. The ability to think linearly is itself a gift from God. There’s a beauty in mathematics. You realize after a while that math is an art form, not just a science.
Who is your favorite person?
Abraham Lincoln. You can’t read his writings without being amazed by his communication skills and ability to put things in perspective.
What do you value?
A challenge—figuring out something, like a puzzle, that others haven’t figured out yet. That’s what actuarial is all about.
What are your hobbies?
Music, theatre and spending time with our two daughters. I sing in the Sioux County Oratorio. I acted in a Northwestern theatre production last spring. I also volunteer with the local fire department.