Statistics teacher goes extra mile, her students say

By Sam Brouse/reporter

Vicky Gatewood, a NW statistics instructor, helps her students succeed in what might be one of the hardest courses at TCC.

Colleagues like math associate professor Vilma Manteiga said Gatewood, who also serves as department chair, is respected by students and colleagues.

“She is incredibly patient, smart, extremely organized and is not afraid of hard work,” Manteiga said.

Vicky Gatewood

Nursing major Midori Kelley credits Gatewood with her own attitude change.

“I did not like math before,” she said. ”But now, after I took her class, I love it.”

Along with her hectic work schedule which includes other math classes besides statistics, Gatewood finds time to take her students to the library once in a while to be more hands-on with statistics because, she said, “Statistics is growing more technology-based.”

While in the library, Gatewood has students take career aptitude tests and other job- or career-determining questionnaires, which help students who do not know what they want or where they excel, Gatewood said.

Kari Hoerig was pleased to have Gatewood for an instructor.

“I just feel like she teaches to see people succeed and does whatever she needs to do to make that happen,” she said.

Even though statistics might be one of the most difficult undergraduate courses, radiology major Kesia McCoy said Gatewood makes it easier.

“I’m fairly good at math, but with statistics, it’s a whole new world,” McCoy said. “She breaks everything down in the simplest form and makes sure before we leave class that we have everything somewhat understood.”

Students like theater major Brittney Hale believe Gatewood helps students to be confident in their work.

“I feel smart because she allows me to,” she said.